Pope Leo XIV Recovers Following Lung Cancer Surgery
The Vatican reports that Pope Leo XIV is eating and walking as he recovers from surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung.
Pope Leo XIV is eating regularly and has begun walking as he recovers from surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung, the Vatican announced. The pontiff, 71, underwent a 90-minute procedure on Tuesday morning after a lesion was discovered on his chest and subsequently diagnosed as cancer.
Vatican doctors Dr. Luigi Carbone and thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora confirmed on Wednesday that Pope Leo's post-operative recovery is progressing normally. "The Holy Father underwent respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking in his room. He resumed his regular diet and had breakfast and lunch," they stated. "Recovery is proceeding as planned."
The surgery revealed that the Pope has the most common form of lung cancer, known as lung adenocarcinoma, according to a medical bulletin released late Tuesday. This disclosure, hours after the operation was announced by Leo himself, suggests a shift in how the pontiff communicates about his health.
The Vatican stated that the surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes and was successful, with no reported complications. Doctors are awaiting further test results to determine the subsequent course of treatment.
The press office highlighted the medical statement's mention of the "radical" removal of the lung lobe as an indicator that surgeons aimed to excise all suspect tissue. The right lung has three lobes, while the left has two. Following the removal of a lobe, the remaining lung can adapt, particularly in active individuals. Pope Leo is known for his active lifestyle, including weekly tennis games and swimming.
The American pontiff's openness about this, the first publicly disclosed significant health issue of his 17-month papacy, is a departure from historical Vatican practices. Previously, the Vatican often maintained secrecy regarding papal health, a reticence encapsulated in the Italian saying, "The pope is fine until he's dead."
Historical examples include St. John XXIII, whose stomach cancer was kept hidden before his death in 1963, and St. John Paul II, whose Parkinson's disease was only officially confirmed by the Vatican after his passing in 2005. While Pope Francis also addressed his health more openly than some predecessors, he ultimately controlled the release of information during his final months.
The Vatican had previously canceled all of Pope Leo's audiences through October 20. It remains unclear if his planned trip to South America next month will proceed. While oncology surgeons often recommend that patients refrain from flying for three weeks post-surgery, this timeline could allow for his November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, though his ability to travel will depend on his recovery. The itinerary for this trip is extensive, involving significant travel and altitude changes.