Photo: TIZIANA FABI / AFP / Getty Images
Doctors for Pope Leo XIV have confirmed that no further treatment is necessary after his recent lung cancer surgery. According to a statement released by the Vatican on Wednesday (October 21), the tumor removed from the pope’s right lung during surgery on Tuesday (October 13) was identified as a lung adenocarcinoma, and the disease was found to be localized.
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said in their statement that “no further treatment is necessary” following a final oncological assessment. The statement was released after the completion of histopathology and molecular testing on the tissue removed during the procedure.
The tumor was discovered by chance during a routine scan, leading to the surgical removal of part of the pope’s right lung. The pope was discharged from the hospital on Saturday (October 17), less than a week after his operation, and quickly returned to his public duties, including leading prayers from his apartment window the following day.
In his second public address since the surgery, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he received, stating, “The first thing I would like to say is thank you! Thank you for the support of your prayers. Thanks be to God for His generosity. Let us all renew our trust in God’s goodness and mercy."
The Vatican emphasized that the pope’s recovery has been positive, and no additional cancer treatments are planned at this time.