Pope Leo XIV is back at work from his hospital room after what doctors describe as a smooth recovery from surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his lung, according to updates issued today by his medical team and the Vatican.
Post-operative tests have stayed within normal ranges, and today’s physiotherapy focused on full mobility exercises, with the Pope able to carry out his daily routine on his own, said a joint bulletin from Leo’s personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and the head of thoracic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Dr Stefano Margaritora.
“The chest X-ray revealed good recovery of the operated lung,” they reported. “Overall, his post-operative recovery is proceeding as expected.”
In a separate statement, the Vatican said Leo has resumed his duties from the hospital, reviewing documents and—on a second consecutive day—celebrating Mass with other priests in a dedicated chapel prepared for him near his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.
The 71-year-old underwent surgery on Tuesday, when doctors removed the lower right lobe of his right lung after identifying what they suspected was a cancerous nodule. The operation confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Physicians are still waiting on additional test results to determine the tumor’s precise molecular profile, whether the disease has spread beyond the removed lobe, and whether any further treatment will be required.
When asked whether the Pope’s planned November trip to South America might need to be altered, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni referred to remarks Leo made on Sunday as he disclosed the nodule’s discovery and the upcoming procedure.
“Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I will make to Peru,” Leo said Sunday in Spanish, in a greeting delivered to a Peruvian group.
The itinerary also includes scheduled stops in Uruguay and Argentina.
Leo is expected to remain hospitalized until at least October 20.
