Pope Leo XIV Needs No Further Cancer Treatment After Lung Surgery, Doctors Say

Pope Leo XIV will not require further treatment for lung cancer after final medical examinations confirmed that the disease was localised and had not spread, according to a statement from his doctors released by the Vatican on Wednesday.

The results confirmed that the tumour removed from the Pope’s right lung was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. His medical team said a subsequent oncology assessment found no need for additional treatment.

The assessment followed surgery on October 13 at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, where surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung.

The procedure was carried out after doctors discovered a small, localised nodule during medical examinations. The tumour was found incidentally, and the Pope had not reported respiratory symptoms before its discovery.

The doctors’ latest findings provided further information about the condition of the 71-year-old pontiff following the operation.

Pope Leo was discharged from hospital on October 17, four days after the surgery. Before his discharge, blood tests and a chest X-ray showed that his condition was suitable for him to leave the hospital.

His surgeon, Professor Stefano Margaritora, subsequently told the Vatican’s official news service that the Pope’s clinical condition was satisfactory, his blood test results were normal and his lung was recovering according to the expected timetable.

The Pope also resumed public engagements. On October 18, he led the Angelus prayer from the Vatican, thanking those who had prayed for him during his hospitalisation.

He appeared at his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square on October 21, the same day the latest medical assessment was announced.

The Pope had disclosed the planned surgery during his Angelus address on October 11, telling worshippers that doctors had found a small, localised nodule in his lung and recommended an operation.

The latest assessment means that, according to his doctors, no additional cancer treatment is currently necessary. It does not mean that the Pope will not require routine medical follow-up as he continues his recovery.