Successful Surgery and Recovery

Pope Leo XIV has received positive news following his recent lung cancer surgery, with his medical team stating that he will not require additional treatments. The Vatican’s press office shared this information on Wednesday, confirming the results of the final analyses of the tissue removed during the procedure.

According to his physicians, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora, the tests confirmed the presence of a localized pulmonary adenocarcinoma. They emphasized that, following an oncological assessment, no further therapy is considered necessary at this time.

Details of the Surgery

The 71-year-old Pope underwent surgery earlier this month at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a lung nodule was discovered during routine medical examinations. He remarked that the nodule was identified at a very preliminary stage, which likely contributed to the successful outcome of the procedure.

Post-surgery, Pope Leo was discharged on Saturday and resumed his public duties the following day, addressing the faithful with a prayer from the papal apartment at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Reflections on His Experience

The Pope expressed gratitude towards those who sent their well-wishes, stating, “This experience has made me feel particularly close to all those who are experiencing illness and a condition of frailty.” He also conveyed his intention to gradually return to his regular activities, supported by prayers and divine guidance.

Upcoming Engagements

Despite the recent health scare, Pope Leo’s schedule remains active, including a planned trip to South America. He is set to embark on a 12-day journey commencing November 6, which will cover significant ground across Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The itinerary includes extensive travel of approximately 19,000 miles involving multiple flights and helicopter rides, including a challenging stopover in Cuzco, Peru, which is situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet.

Peru holds special significance for Pope Leo, as he previously served as the Bishop of Chiclayo and also holds citizenship there.

Medical Insights

Dr. Margaritora commented on the expected recovery timeline, explaining that recovery from the type of surgery the Pope experienced typically spans a couple of weeks. He indicated that there do not appear to be any clinical concerns that would hinder the Pope’s planned long-distance travel in a few weeks.