Pope Leo Thanks Faithful in St Peter’s Square After Lung Cancer Surgery
Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,
Pope Leo told thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, marking his first public appearance since undergoing surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his right lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff appeared unaided at the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace to deliver the traditional Angelus blessing, prompting loud cheers from the crowd below. Just a week prior at the same Sunday address, the pope had revealed that doctors located a nodule on his lung requiring surgical removal. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday during the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate. Pathology results confirmed the nodule was adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
Hospital Discharge and Recovery Timeline at the Gemelli
Pope Leo left Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday after doctors deemed him fit for discharge following morning blood tests and a chest X-ray. The pontiff expressed particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff at Gemelli hospital
where he received treatment. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News that the pope had put his heart and soul into his recovery
and was expected to heal fully from the operation in roughly ten days.
Histological testing of the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes is currently underway. Results detailing the genetic and molecular makeup of the growth will help medical teams decide if the pontiff requires additional therapies, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted oral medication. Despite the major procedure, the pope maintained a level of work during his hospital stay, including a phone call on Friday to Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in the occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
Upcoming South American Tour Plans Remain on Schedule
Medical clearance for the pontiff’s upcoming international travel remains unchanged despite the recent cancer operation. Dr. Margaritora stated to Vatican News that there are no clinical reasons
to cancel an ambitious trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru scheduled for November 6–17. That itinerary includes a dozen flights and two helicopter rides reaching high altitudes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pope Leo’s Surgery
What specific type of lung cancer was diagnosed?
Pathology confirmed the removed nodule was adenocarcinoma, which is the most common form of lung cancer. The surgery successfully extracted the growth from the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung.
How long was the pope’s hospital stay?
Pope Leo spent less than a week at Gemelli hospital in Rome, being discharged on Saturday after undergoing surgery on the preceding Tuesday. The Vatican had originally estimated a weeklong stay in hospital.
When is the pope’s next major international trip?
His next major engagement is a scheduled trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru running from November 6 to November 17, which includes multiple flights and high-altitude helicopter travel.
Worth a look