Pope Leo XIV Returns to the Vatican After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Oct. 17, just four days after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, where doctors confirmed an early-stage adenocarcinoma. Dr. Stefano Margaritora, chief thoracic surgeon at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, stated that there are “no clinical reasons” to prevent the 71-year-old pontiff from undertaking his planned Nov. 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina.
The procedure marked the first major health event of Leo’s 17-month pontificate. The Vatican initially anticipated a weeklong hospital stay, but the pope was discharged ahead of schedule on Saturday. Speaking as he left in a black SUV, the pontiff told reporters, “I am much better, thank you.”
Surgical Discovery and Medical Recovery at Gemelli Hospital
The cancerous nodule was discovered by chance during routine abdominal examinations, appearing as a small spot at the base of the lung near the diaphragm, Margaritora told Vatican News. The surgeon noted that if the spot had been positioned higher up, it likely would not have been detected. The cancer was caught in its early stages, and the pope experienced no respiratory symptoms prior to the operation.
While describing the lobectomy as routine and free of complications, Margaritora acknowledged the emotional weight of the procedure. Operating on a pope for a malignant tumor was a first in modern history. Following the operation, Leo maintained a busy schedule from his hospital quarters. He held meetings with senior aides, celebrated Mass in a makeshift hospital chapel, and spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Upcoming Latin America Tour and Public Duties
Medical staff expect the pontiff to make a full recovery in about ten days. Margaritora praised the pope’s resilience, noting that his recovery required very little medical assistance due to his strong determination. Despite the physical demands of the upcoming Nov. 6–17 itinerary—which includes a dozen flights and two high-altitude helicopter rides across Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina—surgeons cleared him for travel.
Before his discharge, Leo greeted patients inside the hospital and paused outside to speak with well-wishers, including a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl who presented him with a homemade papal doll. The girl told reporters that a previous brief meeting with the pope in St. Peter’s Square last December had given her the strength to overcome her own successful cancer treatment. Leo is set to resume his public duties on Oct. 18 by delivering the traditional Sunday Angelus blessing in St. Peter’s Square.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pope’s Health
What specific type of lung cancer was diagnosed?
Doctors confirmed that Pope Leo XIV had adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type of lung cancer, following the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung on Oct. 13.
What further medical tests are being conducted?
Histological testing of the tumor and related lymph nodes is underway, alongside analyses of the tumor’s molecular and genetic makeup to determine if additional treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy are necessary.
How was the tumor originally detected?
Chief thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora stated that the nodule appeared as a small spot at the base of the lung and was found entirely by chance during routine abdominal examinations.
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