Pope Leo Cleared to Skip Additional Cancer Therapy After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo will not require any further cancer treatment after undergoing lung surgery last week, his doctors have announced, confirming that the tumour did not spread.

The 71‑year‑old pontiff underwent removal of the lower lobe of his right lung on 13 October after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

Final histological examinations and molecular biology analyses of the removed tissue confirmed the diagnosis, and the disease was found to be confined to the localised area, the doctors said in a statement released by the Vatican.

“A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required,” said Pope Leo’s lead surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, and his personal physician, Luigi Carbone.

Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether the pontiff will proceed with his planned tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru scheduled for 6–17 November.

Leo was discharged from hospital on Saturday and is gradually resuming his normal duties. He returned to St Peter’s Square on Wednesday for his weekly audience with pilgrims.

While in hospital, the pope continued his work, including a phone call last Friday to Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he urged a ceasefire in the Russian‑occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky.

Last Sunday, the pontiff told a crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square that he would “gradually resume” his activities.

He also thanked those who had prayed for him, expressing appreciation for the support and noting that the experience had made him feel especially close to “all those who are going through illness or a state of infirmity.”

Margaritora said last week there were “no clinical reasons” preventing the pope from travelling to South America, although the Vatican’s secretary of state indicated that the pontiff may need to adjust the pace of his schedule to aid his recovery.

Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Leo, an avid tennis player, was generally regarded as being in good health. He frequently uses the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.

In May of last year, Leo became the first U.S.-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

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