Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday following surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a lobectomy at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on October 13, during which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed after the discovery of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Doctors described the procedure as successful and without complications. Postoperative blood tests and chest imaging indicated that the pope was fit for discharge after just four days, ahead of the initially anticipated week-long hospital stay. Upon leaving the hospital, Leo appeared in good spirits, walking unaided and speaking briefly with well-wishers who gathered outside, including a 13-year-old Ukrainian cancer survivor who presented him with a handmade papal doll. The girl credited a previous meeting with the pontiff for giving her strength during her treatment.
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the lead thoracic surgeon, said there were no clinical reasons to prevent the pope’s scheduled trip to Latin America, which is set from November 6 to 17. The trip will include visits to Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina, as well as multiple flights and helicopter rides to high-altitude locations. Margaritora remarked that the pope’s focus and determination have greatly contributed to his recovery, which is expected to continue over the next ten days.
The lung nodule was discovered incidentally during routine abdominal examinations. The cancer was in an early stage, and the pope had experienced no respiratory symptoms prior to surgery. Histological analysis of the tumor and associated lymph nodes is ongoing, with results expected to inform whether additional treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies will be necessary.
In the days following his surgery, Pope Leo XII has resumed limited activities, including holding private meetings with senior aides, celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel, and conducting a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. He is scheduled to deliver the traditional Angelus blessing to the faithful from the Apostolic Palace balcony on Sunday, marking his first public engagement since the operation.
The announcement of the tumor and its malignant status came only after Tuesday’s surgery, following the pope’s own public acknowledgment of the nodule the previous week. The timing and nature of the Vatican’s disclosure have raised questions about when the diagnosis was first known. Vatican officials emphasized that the discovery occurred during routine checks and sought to project confidence in the pope’s recovery and the continuity of his pontificate.
The diagnosis and treatment of Pope Leo XIV have drawn widespread attention, given his relatively young age for a pope and his active role on the global stage since his election in May 2025. Some Vatican officials have suggested the possibility of adjustments to his schedule, though the current stance is to proceed with planned commitments. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, indicated that any such adaptations would be made as needed, while others close to the pope have expressed admiration for his calm and resolve amid the health challenges.
Leo’s family history includes cancer: his mother succumbed to the disease, and his older brother currently battles it as well. The pope’s health situation is being closely monitored as the Vatican prepares for his upcoming Latin American tour, one of the most significant undertakings of his pontificate.