Pope Leo XIV Cleared for No Further Treatment After Cancer Surgery

Oct 23, 12:18 AM2 min readCovered by 5 outlets

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Vatican doctors confirm Pope Leo XIV needs no further therapy after tests showed his lung cancer was localized and caught at an early stage.

Vatican doctors announced Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV will not require further cancer therapy following a successful surgery to remove a localized lung tumor.

Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora confirmed that final histopathology and molecular testing on tissue removed last week identified the growth as a lung adenocarcinoma. According to the Holy See, the disease was localized, and a subsequent oncological assessment determined that no further treatment is necessary. The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed during a 90-minute operation on October 13 at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

The discovery of the malignant tumor was described by Professor Margaritora as "entirely accidental," occurring during a routine examination for other health reasons. CBS News reported that the small spot was found at the base of the lung; doctors noted it might have been missed had it been located slightly higher. The Pope previously told followers that the nodule had been caught at an early stage.

Following his discharge from the hospital on Saturday, the Pope has gradually resumed his duties, including hosting his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday. During his recovery, BBC News noted that he has also engaged in diplomatic efforts, speaking with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss peace and humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Medical officials stated there is no clinical reason to cancel the Pope’s upcoming 12-day trip to South America, which is scheduled to begin on November 6. Deutsche Welle reported that the ambitious itinerary involves a dozen flights and visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The journey includes a stop in the Peruvian city of Cuzco, situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet.

Background

On October 11, Pope Leo XIV announced during his Sunday blessing that he would undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule. The Vatican's openness regarding the procedure marked a departure from the traditional secrecy often surrounding papal health issues.