Pope Leo XIV will no longer need therapy after his lung cancer surgery .

Pope Leo XIV requires no additional medical treatment for lung cancer, the Vatican announced on Wednesday evening. Final histological and molecular biology tests on tissue removed during his recent surgery confirmed that the disease was localized. Consequently, a subsequent oncological assessment determined that further therapy, such as chemotherapy or radiation, is unnecessary. The announcement resolved the primary uncertainty regarding the 71-year-old pontiff’s health following his operation earlier this month. The Vatican’s Office of Press released the statement signed by Luigi Carbone, the pope’s personal physician, and Stefano Margaritora, the head of the surgical team. They stated that definitive results from the histopathology and molecular testing were published that day. The tests identified the tumor as a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Crucially, the analysis indicated that the malignancy had not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This finding meant that the surgical intervention alone was sufficient to address the condition. Leo underwent the procedure on October 13 at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. Surgeons performed a video-assisted operation lasting approximately 90 minutes, during which they removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The extensive removal of lung tissue was intended to ensure the complete excision of the lesion. According to the Holy See, the surgery proceeded without complications. The pope woke up normally and returned to his hospital room after a brief observation period. The discovery of the tumor appears to have been incidental. In an interview with Vatican News, Margaritora explained that the nodule was detected by chance during routine abdominal examinations. The pope reportedly experienced no symptoms prior to the diagnosis. Medical experts noted that catching the cancer at this early stage makes surgery highly effective and potentially curative. One specialist observed that the absence of recommended follow-up treatments suggested the tumor was relatively small and contained within its original site. Following the successful operation, Leo recovered rapidly. He was discharged from the Gemelli Hospital on October 17, just four days after the surgery. Blood tests and a chest X-ray conducted before his departure confirmed he was well enough to return to the Vatican. Witnesses described the pope walking out of the facility with normal gait. Before leaving, he visited the pediatric oncology ward, where young patients had sent him letters during his hospitalization. One letter from a girl named Eleonora expressed hope and faith, stating that God had heard their prayers. Her mother informed the pope that his daughter had recovered her health. Upon returning to the Vatican, Leo resumed his public schedule gradually. On the Sunday following his discharge, he appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace to lead the Angelus prayer. This location held particular significance as it was the same spot from which he had announced his illness and upcoming surgery a week earlier. On Wednesday, he presided over his first general audience since the operation. Despite rain falling over Rome, the pope traveled through St. Peter’s Square aboard the popemobile. He greeted approximately 30,000 faithful attendees and stopped to bless several children. The sudden diagnosis had caused significant commotion within the Catholic Church. As the first US-born pope, elected only last year, Leo’s health status was a focal point of global attention. There were concerns that prolonged treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy might impair his ability to govern the church, which has 1.4 billion members. However, the swift recovery and the favorable test results alleviated these fears. During his hospital stay, the pope continued to conduct official business, including a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Looking ahead, the pope intends to proceed with a long-planned trip to South America. He aims to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru between November 6 and 17. These countries hold personal historical importance for Leo, who resided in the region for two decades before entering the priesthood. His decision to maintain this travel itinerary underscores the confidence in his current physical condition. The Vatican did not announce any changes to his diplomatic or pastoral plans beyond the confirmation that he would resume his duties gradually. The medical team emphasized that the outcome was the best possible scenario given the initial diagnosis. By confirming the cancer was localized, the doctors ruled out the need for systemic therapies that typically carry significant side effects. This allows the pontiff to focus on his spiritual and administrative responsibilities without interruption from intensive medical care. The release of the final test results marks the end of the acute medical phase of this episode, shifting attention back to his ongoing role as head of the Catholic Church.