Pope Leo XIV cleared of further treatment after lung surgery
Doctors who performed the operation that removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo XIV’s right lung reported that the tissue showed a localized lung adenocarcinoma that had not spread. The physicians concluded that no additional cancer therapy is needed. The pontiff was discharged from the Gemelli Hospital ahead of the planned stay and has resumed public duties, including delivering the Angelus and addressing a general audience in St. Peter’s Square. He continues to thank the faithful for their prayers and to meet with visitors as his health permits.
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Why it matters
The confirmation that no further cancer treatment is required reassures Catholics worldwide and allows the Pope to resume his religious responsibilities.
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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