Pope Leo XIV recovering from lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo XIV, recovering from surgery for lung cancer, had a good night in the hospital and has eaten breakfast, the Vatican said Thursday, reports BritPanorama.
Leo, 71, has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, and doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung in a surgery on Tuesday afternoon.
The Vatican has stated that the surgery was completed successfully, without complications. However, details concerning the size of the tumor or whether the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes—key factors in determining prognosis—have not yet been disclosed.
Further updates are expected on Thursday, but the pope’s pathology report may not be available for several days. Meanwhile, Leo’s public schedule has been canceled until October 20.
The pope’s doctors have not indicated that he might require further treatment, nor has the Vatican confirmed whether the cancer has metastasized.
In the wake of the surgery, the Vatican released a message from the pope. “As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days,” the message read, addressed to participants at a meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of “Amoris Laetitia,” a 2016 document on Catholic doctrine released by Pope Francis.
“I thank you warmly for your prayers and for the work you have done together. Your sharing of experiences and attentive listening are indeed a gift to the whole Church,” the message added.
As Leo continues his recovery, his brother, Louis Prevost, is being treated for blood cancer, a source close to the family confirmed. Prevost expressed optimism regarding the pope’s condition.
“They caught it early enough, and he’ll be able to heal from the surgery and go on with his papal ministry,” he stated during an interview.
Leo’s diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer, followed the examination of a nodule that was removed from his lung. According to the American Lung Association, non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 80% of all cases of the disease.
