The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will not require any further treatment after his recent lung cancer surgery.
According to a medical bulletin released by the Holy See Press Office on Wednesday, October 21, final laboratory tests on tissue removed during the operation confirmed that the cancer was localized and had not spread.
The update was signed by the Pope’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and the thoracic surgeon who led the procedure, Prof. Stefano Margaritora.
“The final histological reports and molecular biology analyses of the tissue removed during the Holy Father’s surgery have been completed today,” the statement read.
“The results have confirmed that the condition was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized. A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required,” it added.
Pope Leo, 71, underwent surgery on October 13 at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. It was the first major health challenge since the beginning of his pontificate 17 months ago.
The nodule was discovered incidentally during routine medical checks, with the Pope showing no symptoms at the time. He disclosed the development himself during the Angelus on October 11, announcing that he would need surgery.
He was discharged from hospital on October 17, just four days after the operation, earlier than initially expected, and returned to the Vatican where he gradually resumed duties.
On Sunday, he led the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace balcony, and on Wednesday he made his return to St. Peter’s Square for the weekly general audience.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 40 percent of cases. Medical experts note that when detected early, surgery alone can be curative without the need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The latest update clears the path for the Pope’s planned apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru scheduled for November 6 to 17, although the Vatican is yet to confirm if any adjustments will be made to his schedule.
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