According to the Associated Press, blood tests and X-rays show that Pope Leo XIV is recovering well after having the lower lobe of his right lung removed. Medical staff say the Pope is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy, is able to walk around his room, and is eating normally. On the afternoon of October 14th, he also celebrated Mass in his private chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital.
People await Pope Leo XIV at Gemelli Hospital, Italy, on October 13.
Despite positive progress, experts say doctors still need to wait for lymph node test results to determine the stage of cancer and the next course of treatment. This leaves the planned South American trip in November up in the air.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori said that the recovery process usually takes weeks, so the Pope’s schedule may have to be adjusted. According to oncologists, patients are usually advised not to fly for three weeks after surgery.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV’s self-announcement of the tumor and surgery broke a long-standing Vatican tradition. In the past, the Holy See had always maintained absolute secrecy regarding the health of popes, with the unspoken motto being “the pope is always healthy until he dies.”
On October 14th, US President Donald Trump expressed his hope for Pope Leo XIV’s speedy recovery. Leaders of other countries also sent well wishes and words of encouragement to the Pope.
The Vatican announced on October 13 that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung, a relatively common form of cancer, Reuters reported.
