Symbolic imagePope Leo's recovery proceeding as planned after lung cancer diagnosis
Tests after surgery on Tuesday showed that Pope Leo XIV has lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican says his recovery is progressing as planned.
Surgeons at Rome's Gemelli hospital removed the lower lobe of the pope's right lung on Tuesday, 13 October, and the Vatican announced late that evening that the nodule was a malignant tumour. Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora reported no complications. On Wednesday, 14 October, they said blood tests and a chest X-ray showed normal post-operative progress. Leo, 71, had done respiratory therapy, begun walking in his room and was eating normally. He is expected to stay in hospital for about a week.
Size and spread still unknown
The Vatican has not said how large the tumour was or whether the cancer has spread, which decides whether radiation or chemotherapy follows, according to FAZ and the Guardian. All of Leo's appointments are cancelled until 20 October. The Guardian notes a 12-day trip to South America is planned for November, and the New York Times says he still intends to make it.
Church and world leaders send support
At a Mass in St Peter's Square on Wednesday, Cardinal Luis Tagle read the homily Leo had written, and a prayer for the pope was offered. Donald Trump, Mark Carney, Ursula von der Leyen and Marco Rubio sent good wishes, and King Charles will write privately, a source told AFP.