Pope Leo XIV Recovering Well After Lung Cancer Surgery, Seen in First Photos
The pontiff celebrated Mass in his hospital room as doctors report steady improvement following the removal of a lung lobe.
Pope Leo XIV is making a significant recovery after undergoing thoracic surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung due to lung adenocarcinoma, commonly known as lung cancer. The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis and shared the first images of the pontiff since the procedure on Friday, showing him celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Images released by the Vatican depict Pope Leo XIV, 71, standing at an altar in green vestments, distributing communion to members of the hospital's medical and nursing staff, as well as the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps. During the service, the Pope expressed gratitude to the healthcare professionals for their care.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the Pope's recovery is marked by "steady improvement in his overall condition." Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora stated that his post-operative recovery is progressing well, allowing him to conduct daily activities independently. Pope Leo XIV is expected to make his first public appearance since the surgery on Sunday during the Angelus prayer.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst who has not treated the Pope, commented that the procedure likely involved video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT), a minimally invasive technique associated with less pain and quicker recovery. Siegel noted that the Pope's generally good health and active lifestyle are significant factors in his recovery. "Since he wasn’t a smoker and likely had very good underlying lung function, loss of a lobe – when there are three total on the right – shouldn’t have a major impact on daily activity, especially with pain controlled," Siegel explained.
Oncologist Lary Robinson of Moffitt Cancer Center expressed that the Pope's situation is notable, as approximately 80% of lung cancers are linked to smoking. However, Robinson acknowledged that lung cancer does affect non-smokers, accounting for an estimated 10% of male and 25% of female patients. Robinson added that the lobectomy suggests the cancer was localized, and if confirmed as Stage 1, the chances of a cure are high, around 90%, depending on tumor size. Further pathology results will determine if additional treatment is necessary.
The Pope's anticipated trip to South America in November is reportedly still on schedule, though his full participation will depend on his continued recovery.