In brief
Pope Leo XIV has been declared cancer‑free after an operation that removed a growth from his lower lung lobe. Tests confirmed the tumour was adenocarcinoma and fully excised, leaving no need for further chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The 71‑year‑old was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday and returned for his first weekly general audience on Sunday. Amid his return to public duties, the papacy has also highlighted its role in encouraging peace between Ukraine and Russia. The Vatican noted the pontiff’s health status does not impact his planned Latin American tour next month.
Doctor’s report confirms the 71‑year‑old pontiff no longer requires additional therapy following removal of a tumour from his lower right lung lobe. The operation went into a day on 13 October and lasted 90 minutes, after which a resection of the affected lobe was performed.
Samples taken during the surgery were examined by oncologists who confirmed the mass was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease had been localised. A subsequent oncological assessment found no evidence that further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation would be useful.
The 71‑year‑old was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday a day after the operation. He stopped by the hospital entrance to greet well‑wishers, a gesture that drew comment in media outlets.
Shortly after his discharge, the pontiff returned for his first weekly general audience at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. The audience provided a platform for him to continue his pastoral duties while also underscoring his physical recovery.
While his health status receives worldwide attention, the Vatican noted that the pontiff remains active in diplomatic outreach. He has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone, urging a ceasefire in the blockaded Russian‑occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to enable food aid delivery; he also had a separate call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ahead of a planned trip to Latin America in early November, those close to the Pope have said he does not intend to delay travel given his current health position. The Vatican’s statement stresses that the 71‑year‑old can continue engagements as scheduled.
