The Pope Leo XIV recovery process is progressing as expected following surgery to remove part of his right lung, according to the Vatican’s latest medical update. On Thursday, October 15, the Holy See Press Office reported that the pontiff had a good second night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he remained under medical observation.
The 71-year-old Pope underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during medical examinations. Tests performed on the removed tissue confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.
The Vatican has described the operation as successful, with no complications reported. However, further medical assessments will help determine the next steps in his treatment.
Pope Leo XIV Recovery Shows Encouraging Signs
Doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. The procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the pontiff spent about three hours in the operating room.
According to Vatican News, the surgery followed earlier examinations that raised concerns about the lung nodule. Pope Leo had publicly disclosed the finding before his admission to hospital and said his doctors recommended surgery.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Pope regained consciousness normally after the operation and returned to his hospital room. Medical staff continued monitoring his condition as he began the recovery process.
On Wednesday, October 14, doctors Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora reported that blood tests and a chest X-ray showed normal postoperative progress. The results fell within the expected range for the type of surgery performed.
The Pope also began walking around his room and underwent respiratory physiotherapy. He resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch, indicating that his immediate recovery was proceeding as planned.
Vatican Provides Further Details on His Condition
The October 15 update offered further information about the Pope’s condition. The Holy See Press Office said he had a good night in hospital, got up and ate breakfast.
These developments provide an update on his immediate recovery, but they do not establish the long-term outlook for his diagnosis. The Vatican has not publicly disclosed the tumour’s full pathological findings or confirmed whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Doctors may need additional results before deciding whether the Pope requires further treatment. The Vatican has not announced a confirmed course of chemotherapy or other cancer therapies.
The pontiff is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week, although his medical team will determine his discharge based on his progress. His public engagements have been suspended through October 20 to allow time for recovery.
Pope’s Upcoming Engagements Remain Under Review
The surgery has also raised questions about the Pope’s upcoming public schedule. He is expected to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November for a planned visit to South America.
As of October 15, the Vatican had not announced a change to the planned trip. However, his medical progress and the advice of his doctors may influence future scheduling decisions.
Meanwhile, messages of support and prayers have continued to arrive from religious communities and political leaders around the world. Many have expressed hopes for his recovery as he continues receiving medical care.
For now, the Vatican’s updates indicate that Pope Leo XIV is making expected progress following lung surgery. Further statements will be important in clarifying his condition, the results of additional tests and whether his medical team recommends further treatment.