Pope Leo XIV Needs No Further Treatment After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV will not require additional cancer treatment after surgery for pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the Vatican announced Wednesday, October 21. Doctors confirmed that the disease was localized following examinations of tissue removed during the operation, while the pontiff continues recovering at the Vatican in Rome.

The Holy See Press Office said the final histological reports and molecular biology analyses were completed Wednesday. The findings confirmed the diagnosis and indicated that further oncological therapy was unnecessary.

The medical update follows surgery on October 13 and the pope's discharge from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on October 17, after five days of hospitalization. According to Vatican News, he is recovering in the Apostolic Palace rather than traveling to his residence in Castel Gandolfo this week.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora, who provided the medical findings through the Vatican's press office, confirmed the results of the tissue analysis in their statement.

"The final histological reports and molecular biology analyses of the tissue removed during the Holy Father's surgery have been completed today," said Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora.

The doctors reported that the examinations established both the type of cancer and the extent of the disease. Their findings indicated that the condition had remained localized, and a subsequent oncological assessment determined that no additional treatment was necessary.

"The results have confirmed that the condition was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized. A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required," the bulletin added.

Vatican News reported on October 19 that the pope would remain at the Vatican to continue his postoperative recovery. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, had estimated that the recovery period would last approximately ten days.

The pope appeared at a window of the Apostolic Palace on Sunday, October 18, to greet approximately 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square. The gathering followed his return from the hospital and provided an opportunity for the public to welcome him back.

The Vatican also confirmed that Pope Leo XIV would hold his weekly General Audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, October 21. At the time of the October 19 update, officials had not specified whether he would make his customary tour among attendees in the popemobile.

His other scheduled activities remained under review as he recovered. Vatican News reported that the pope was expected to visit Assisi on October 27 for the event "Unarmed and Disarming Peace," organized by the St. Egidio Community to mark the 40th anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi gathering, first held under Pope St. John Paul II.