After lung cancer diagnosis, Pope Leo's doctor reveals treatment developments

Pope Leo XIV's doctors revealed positive developments regarding his health condition after the success of the surgical operation he underwent to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung, confirming that there is no need for additional treatments at this stage.

The Vatican clarified that the final histological and molecular results of the excised tissues showed that the tumor was of the pulmonary adenocarcinoma type, and that it remained confined to a specific area, without any signs of spreading to other parts of the body.

Pope Leo's doctor reveals test results
Personal physician to the Pope, Luigi Carbone, and surgeon Stefano Margaritora confirmed that the medical assessment conducted after surgery did not show a necessity for undergoing additional treatment sessions during the current period, following the successful removal of the tumor.

These results represent a reassuring development in the course of the Pope's recovery, especially since the tests did not reveal the spread of the disease according to the announced information. However, medical follow-up remains important to monitor his health condition and ensure continued recovery.

Details of Pope Leo XIV's surgery

The 71-year-old Pope had undergone surgery on October 13 at Agostino Gemelli Hospital in the Italian capital Rome, during which the lower lobe of his right lung, which contained the tumor, was removed.

The surgery lasted about 90 minutes, while the Pope remained inside the operating room for approximately three hours, before regaining consciousness normally, without recording complications related to the operation, according to information regarding his condition.

The Pope left the hospital on Saturday, October 17, after the medical team was reassured by the stability of his health condition and the possibility of completing the recovery period outside the hospital.

He thanked the doctors and nursing staff members who supervised his treatment, appreciating the care he received during his stay at the hospital.

Pope resumes duties after leaving hospital
Following his discharge, the Pope began gradually returning to his official activities, appearing on Wednesday during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, a step reflecting the improvement of his condition after surgery.

Despite resuming some of his duties, rest and medical follow-up remain important elements during the recovery period, especially after the removal of part of the lung.

What is pulmonary adenocarcinoma?
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types of lung cancer, arising in the cells lining parts of the lung. Treatment opportunities depend on multiple factors, most notably the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor, its extent of spread, and the patient's health condition.

In the case of Pope Leo XIV, the announced medical results indicate the successful removal of the tumor and the lack of need for additional treatment currently.

These developments come after a state of concern regarding the Pope's health, who assumed leadership of the Catholic Church in May 2025, while followers await the continuation of his recovery and his return to performing his duties regularly.