Vatican reports positive recovery for Pope Leo XIV following lung cancer surgery

Rome — Medical teams at Gemelli University Hospital have reported that Pope Leo XIV is making a steady and normal recovery following a successful surgical procedure to remove a malignant tumor from his right lung.

According to updates released by the Holy See Press Office and attending physicians Dr. Luigi Caruboni and Professor Stefano Margaritora, routine postoperative evaluations—including blood tests and chest X-rays—showed that the pontiff's values are within expected normal ranges. The imaging indicated a significant and positive recovery of the operated lung.

The 71-year-old Pope underwent the scheduled operation on 13 October 2026, during which surgeons performed a video-assisted resection of the lower lobe of his right lung after preoperative tests and intraoperative histology confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Medical personnel noted that the Pope has responded well to treatment, having resumed eating normally, partaken in respiratory physiotherapy, and begun walking independently around his hospital room on the tenth floor of Gemelli Hospital. Demonstrating a gradual return to his routine, Pope Leo XIV has also concelebrated Mass in a specially prepared hospital chapel room and resumed handling administrative duties, meeting with Vatican officials including Archbishop Paolo Rudelli.

Well-wishers and faithful have continued gathering outside the hospital near the statue of Saint John Paul II, leaving prayers, messages, and candles as the pontiff completes his expected hospital stay. Further updates from the medical team are anticipated as his postoperative recovery continues.