Pope Leo XIV will not require additional treatment for lung cancer after final tests confirmed the disease remained localized, his medical team announced Wednesday.
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora shared the results just over a week after surgeons removed a tumor from the pontiff’s right lung.
“The final histopathology and molecular testing reports on the tissue removed during the Holy Father’s surgery were issued today,” the doctors stated.
“The results confirmed a lung adenocarcinoma that was localized. A subsequent oncological assessment determined that no further treatment is necessary.”
Pope Leo underwent surgery on October 13 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, and the pontiff spent about three hours in the operating room, according to the Holy See.
“The procedure was successful with no complications,” the Holy See press office said following the surgery.
The pope woke normally and returned to his hospital room after a brief observation period, Vatican News reported.
Pope Leo XIV greets attendees at the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on October 21, 2026. (Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
He was discharged on Saturday after blood tests and a chest X-ray confirmed he was fit to return to the Vatican. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the hospital, calling out “Papa!” as he left.
Before his departure, Leo visited the pediatric oncology ward, where young patients had sent him letters during his hospitalization.
Pope Leo sits in a vehicle while departing Gemelli Hospital after lung surgery and his cancer diagnosis, Rome, Italy, October 17, 2026. (Remo Casilli/Reuters)
“Pope Leo, our prayers are with you,” wrote a girl named Eleonora in a letter released by Vatican News.
“May God, the Most Holy Virgin, and the guardian angels always protect you,” she added.
Eleonora’s mother informed the pope that her daughter had recovered, according to the Vatican.
“Faith moves mountains,” Eleonora wrote. “God has heard our prayers.”
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