Pope Leo XIV will not require further treatment following surgery to remove a tumour from his right lung, according to his doctors, who confirmed that the cancer was localised.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, October 21, Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the final histopathology and molecular testing results confirmed that the tumour removed during surgery on October 13 was a lung adenocarcinoma.
The doctors said a subsequent oncological assessment had established that no additional treatment was necessary.
“The results have confirmed that the condition was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized,” the statement said. “A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required.”
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a lung nodule discovered during routine medical examinations. He had previously said the nodule was detected at a very early stage.
After being discharged from hospital on Saturday, Pope Leo resumed his public duties on Sunday, leading a prayer from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square.
Reflecting on his health experience, he said it had brought him closer to people living with illness and physical vulnerability. He also thanked those who had offered prayers and sent messages of support.
“Having come through this delicate phase, as you know, I will now gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” he said.
The pontiff’s diagnosis and surgery had raised questions about whether he would proceed with his planned trip to South America.
He is still scheduled to depart on November 6 for a 12-day visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
