Pope Leo XIV is recovering well from lung cancer surgery in Rome and has resumed work from his hospital room, doctors and the Vatican said on Thursday.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower right lobe of his lung after doctors identified a cancerous nodule, later confirmed as adenocarcinoma. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli hospital, reported that post-operative tests remained normal and a chest X-ray showed good recovery of the operated lung. “Overall, his postoperative recovery is proceeding as expected,” they said.
Leo met with Vatican chief of staff Archbishop Paolo Rudelli on Thursday and reviewed documents, the Vatican confirmed. For a second consecutive day, he celebrated Mass with other priests in a chapel near his 10th-floor hospital room, spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Physiotherapy sessions included full mobility exercises, and the pope performed daily activities independently.
Doctors are awaiting further test results to determine the cancer’s molecular makeup, whether it has spread, and if additional treatment is needed. Leo is expected to remain hospitalized until at least Oct. 20. When asked about his planned Nov. 6-17 trip to Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina, Bruni referred to Leo’s Sunday remarks: “Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I will make to Peru.”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, told reporters that Leo may adjust his pontificate if necessary, depending on medical advice. Parolin also said Leo could lead the Angelus prayer from the hospital this Sunday if his recovery continues smoothly.
