Pope Leo XIV will not require further cancer treatment after surgery successfully removed a localised lung tumour, according to his medical team. The Vatican’s latest announcement has brought encouraging news for Catholics and people around the world who have been following the pontiff’s recovery.
The Vatican announced on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, that the final laboratory examinations of tissue removed during the pope’s operation confirmed that his lung cancer was localised and that no additional oncological treatment was necessary.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on October 13 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The operation followed the discovery of a lung nodule during medical examinations. The results have provided reassurance about his recovery, although doctors will continue to monitor his health as he gradually resumes his regular duties.
According to the medical statement released by the Vatican, laboratory tests confirmed that the tumour was pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Crucially, the results indicated that the disease was localised rather than having spread beyond the affected area.
Following a further assessment by cancer specialists, the medical team concluded that additional treatment was not required. This is an encouraging outcome because some localised lung cancers can be treated successfully through surgery alone. However, the Vatican’s announcement did not explicitly declare the pope permanently cured or provide a long-term prognosis.
Following his operation, Pope Leo was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on October 17 and returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery. He subsequently appeared in public again, including at his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square on October 21.
During his recovery, the pope expressed gratitude to those who had prayed for him and supported him throughout his hospital stay. His return to public engagements has reassured many of his followers, although his schedule may be adjusted to allow sufficient time for recovery.
The pope is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, 2026. His doctors have indicated that there is no clinical reason preventing the planned trip, but the Vatican has also emphasised the importance of managing his activities carefully during his recovery.
The final decision will depend on his continued progress and the medical advice he receives.
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