Pontiff has begun walking in his hospital room and is eating normally after operation to remove growth, doctors say
Pope Leo’s recovery from a lung cancer operation is progressing as planned, his doctors have said, as the pontiff received good wishes from around the world, including from Britain’s King Charles.
Leo, who had a cancerous mass removed from his right lung late on Tuesday, began walking in his hospital room after respiratory therapy on Wednesday. He was eating normally, his doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritoria said in a statement issued by the Vatican.
The Vatican says Pope Leo has lung cancer and that doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung in a surgery that lasted roughly 90 minutes. In a statement, the Vatican called the operation "successful" and said there were "no complications." For more on the Pope's prognosis, Geoff Bennett spoke with Dr. Omer Awan, a physician and senior public health contributor at Forbes.
Hospital says operation a success, with prognosis expected to be 'excellent' since nodule was removed at early stage; recovery may allow pontiff to make South America trip
On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV was admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome to undergo surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule that had been detected at an early stage. The procedure is taking place on the tenth floor of the medical center; the Pontiff arrived shortly after 1:00 p.m. and is being treated in an area adjacent to his usual quarters.
The procedure is being led by thoracic surgeon Stefano Margaritora, who has headed the hospital’s specialized department for ten years. Holy See sources estimated a seven-day postoperative period and indicated that the Vatican expects to issue a medical bulletin following the operation.
All his appointments have been cancelled through October 20, including a major Mass on Wednesday marking the conclusion of a global assembly on the family; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will stand in for him at that event.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin highlighted the serenity with which the Supreme Pontiff announced the procedure, although he acknowledged his own surprise at the diagnosis. The Holy See clarified that there would be no transfer of authority, as that only occurs in the event of a vacant see.
British specialist Marco Scarci noted that it is not a particularly risky operation, though he estimated that a full recovery of physical fitness could take up to three months. Meanwhile, Federico Venuta explained that, as a general rule, it is recommended to avoid flying for about twenty days following this type of surgery.
The Pope is scheduled to travel to South America in November, with visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru; his clinical progress will determine the final confirmation of the itinerary. Marco Scarci, a thoracic surgery specialist in the UK, told AFP that the procedure is not particularly high-risk and that he expects the Pope to recover soon, although it could take up to three months for him to regain his pre-surgery level of physical fitness.
Il cardinale #Parolin ha parlato con #LeoneXIV: "È un esempio di grande serenità". Il segretario di Stato auspica che tutto si risolva al più presto: "Siamo fiduciosi e naturalmente lo accompagniamo tutti con la nostra preghiera e con il nostro affetto".https://t.co/C6z8lzHUf2pic.twitter.com/pYPtgcHoJ4
The pontiff’s hospitalization sparked a wave of international solidarity, involving the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square as well as episcopal conferences in Poland, Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. Religious communities across various countries organized prayer chains for the Pope’s health and speedy recovery.
In Rome, Auxiliary Bishop Baldassare Reina is set to lead a rosary service at 6:00 PM in the chapel of the Gemelli Polyclinic as part of efforts to provide spiritual support.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel wrote on X that “the Cuban people stand with the pontiff with respect and appreciation” and wished him a speedy recovery.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the Pope as a great defender of humanity and a dignified life. Petro linked the papal figure to the need to confront the manipulations of artificial intelligence and the rivalries between major tech corporations.
From Brazil, President Lula da Silva sent his warmest regards to the Pope and joined in prayers for the surgery’s success.
The Gemelli Polyclinic is once again the focus of global attention for treating a pontiff, following the cases of John Paul II and Francis. John Paul II famously joked that the hospital had become “Vatican III.”
A reinforced security protocol has been implemented at the entrance to the medical facility, while the Vatican maintains a policy of discretion regarding the pontiff’s health status.
Pope Leo XIV has arrived at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to undergo a scheduled low-risk lung surgery. Crowds of faithful and reporters gathered outside the hospital as the Pontiff arrived. Medical experts confirm the procedure is low-risk.#PopeLeoXIV#Vatican#Rome… pic.twitter.com/uYF1r1F6np
Vatican says pontiff had lower lobe of right lung removed in ‘successful, on schedule and as planned’ operation in Rome
Pope Leo has lung cancer, the Vatican said late on Tuesday.
Leo, 71, underwent an operation and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed, with tests confirming a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin, which followed an earlier statement saying the pope’s operation had concluded “successfully, on schedule and as planned”.
Ukraine’s president says his country has halted strikes on Russian oil refineries for two days after Trump’s energy ceasefire announcement
On frozen Russian assets, Poland’s Sikorski says the use of frozen Russian assets is “a complicated issue,” but takes a very clear stance in response to any suggestion of releasing them back to Russia.
“We are working on it, but there is also some rumours that some people are expecting these assets to be released back to Russia.
I don’t think I’m speaking just for myself in saying: over our dead bodies.”
“Russia right now is not ready for ceasefire, but still, this only can encourage us to stay with Ukraine and to, strengthen, the pressure on Russia and always be ready for conversations, but and also especially for, for ceasefire negotiations.
But, until this doesn’t happen, we are with Ukraine. We are with the president the German government is is backing the Ukrainian government and the president, completely. He is the person to lead Ukraine, and we are with him.”
The Bishop of Leeds is urging Catholics to 'live simply' to protect the planet. But why are bishops banging on about climate change when they're supposed to be saving souls? asks Roger Watson.
Login
