Pope Leo XIV Resumes Public Duties After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery last week to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The operation confirmed lung cancer, according to Global News, which described it as the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate.

The diagnosis was pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The Independent described it as the most common form of lung cancer. Tests on the removed tissue would establish whether further treatment was needed.

By October 19, Leo had appeared again at a third-floor window of the Apostolic Palace following the operation, La Nacion reported. CBS Top Stories also reported that day that he had returned to work at the Vatican less than a week after surgery.

On October 19, the Vatican announced that he would hold a general audience with pilgrims on Wednesday, October 21, according to CNN Brasil. ANSA.it reported that Vatican sources said his recovery was continuing.

On October 21, Leo held his first general audience since the operation. He spent 15 minutes travelling through Saint Peter's Square in the popemobile before the audience, ABC reported.

That same day, his doctors announced the tissue test results. "The results confirmed that the tumor was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized," Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora said, according to ABC News. They said no further treatment was necessary.

On October 22, Adnkronos reported an assessment from Di Maio of Aiom that there was no lymph node involvement or metastasis, with a favourable prognosis and low recurrence risk. The report described periodic checks as the next step.

The medical position is that Leo does not need additional cancer treatment following surgery. ANSA.it reiterated that finding on October 22, citing the doctors' statement that the disease was localized.

His return to public duties is already under way, rather than simply planned. But World News CNA described that return as gradual, a distinction from resuming his entire schedule immediately.

Regular checks are the next medical step, according to Adnkronos. The other immediate question is whether Leo will undertake a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, which World News CNA said he hopes to proceed with.

The coverage differs on how settled those travel plans are. Le Monde reported that the Latin American tour remains on his schedule, while Guardian Health said doubts remain about the trip.