Pope Leo recovering well after cancer surgery, Vatican says

What the report says

Pope Leo XIV is recovering in Rome’s Gemelli hospital after surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung, the Vatican said in a medical update reported by Al Jazeera. The pontiff, who is 71, was said to be out of bed, walking and eating the day after the operation, with doctors describing his progress as normal for the procedure performed.

According to the Vatican’s note, Leo has undergone respiratory physiotherapy, begun moving around his room and resumed regular meals. Blood tests and a chest X-ray were said to show expected post-operative results, and the doctors reported that his recovery was proceeding as planned. The operation, which lasted about 90 minutes, was described as successful and without complications.

The Vatican also said the surgery involved removing the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung. Tests were reported to have confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer suspected before the procedure. The Holy See has not yet outlined a broader treatment plan, and it said chemotherapy or other therapies are not being discussed until further test results are available.

The article noted that Leo is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, and all of his public audiences through October 20 have been cancelled. More broadly, lung cancer treatment often depends on the stage and spread of the disease, but Al Jazeera did not report any wider prognosis beyond the Vatican’s statement.