Vatican says Pope Leo's lung surgery recovery is 'proceeding as expected'

Pope Leo XIV, 71, underwent surgery on October 10 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung, which was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. The surgery was initially announced on October 11 when doctors found the small, localized growth during routine medical checks; Leo described it as "circumscribed" and noted that he would follow medical advice for the procedure. He thanked supporters and asked for prayers in his Sunday blessing before the surgery. As of October 14, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora reported that Pope Leo’s recovery was progressing normally based on blood tests and chest X-rays conducted post-surgery. The pontiff began walking in his hospital room after respiratory therapy and resumed normal eating habits. His next steps for treatment remain undetermined as further test results are pending to determine if the cancer has spread.