Pope Leo XIV cleared of further cancer treatment after lung surgery
Doctors say Pope Leo XIV does not require additional therapy following the removal of a cancerous lung nodule.
Medical officials reported that Pope Leo XIV underwent an operation on October 13 to excise a cancerous nodule from his right lung at Gemelli hospital in Rome. Post-operative assessments indicated the tumor was confined, and oncologists concluded that no additional radiotherapy or chemotherapy is required. The Pope was discharged on October 17 and, on Sunday, announced a phased return to his responsibilities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to a pre-planned pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru later in November. The news eases earlier concerns that extensive cancer treatment might impede his leadership of the Catholic Church.
Why it matters
The Pope's health stability ensures continuity for the Catholic Church's 1.4 billion followers worldwide.
How this story developed
- Oct 14 Pope Leo XIV recovers steadily after lung surgery
- Oct 14 A new Vatican bulletin confirmed Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer and outlined his recovery steps.
- Oct 15 Routine check-ups this morning returned normal findings as the Pope continues recovery.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo XIV resumed work from his hospital room and continued physiotherapy.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo XIV called Vladimir Putin by phone, asking for a cease-fire in Oleschky to allow food, medical aid and safe evacuation of civilians.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo celebrated Mass at Gemelli Hospital and a medical bulletin reported improvement in his condition.
- Oct 16 Putin’s call to the pope included discussion of a short‑term humanitarian pause for Oleshky.
- Oct 17 Pope Leo XIV is expected to recite the Angelus from the 10th-floor balcony of Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, with Italian police coordinating security.
- Oct 17 The Pope has moved from hospital care to discharge and will resume public duties.
- Oct 18 He left the hospital feeling well and cancelled audiences through Tuesday.
- Oct 18 He appeared at the Vatican window on Sunday delivering the Angelus after discharge.
- Oct 20 Pope Leo asked Ukrainian President Zelensky to cooperate with Russia on delivering aid to Oleshky.
- Oct 21 The pope led the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
- Oct 21 Physicians confirmed the tumor was localized and that no additional cancer treatment is required.
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