Pope Leo returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery in Rome

Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following surgery for lung cancer, NPR reported on October 17. The operation removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and blood tests and a chest X-ray showed that his condition permitted discharge.²

Diagnosis and surgery

The Guardian reported on October 16 that a routine health examination had identified a small growth. According to the Vatican, a diagnosis suspected on earlier scans was confirmed during surgery. NPR subsequently reported that examination of tissue after the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.¹²

Leo had told crowds that doctors found a “localized nodule” at a very early stage, according to NPR. He said he had accepted their advice to have it removed. NPR reported that the operation took about 90 minutes and used a video-assisted technique, which the Vatican also described.¹²

The procedure is called a lobectomy. The Guardian described it as the standard treatment for lung cancer detected early, explaining that removing the lobe containing the tumour offers the best chance of taking out all cancer cells along with a margin of healthy tissue.¹

According to The Guardian, the right lung has three of the lungs’ five lobes, while the left has the other two. Its account identified adenocarcinoma as a form of non-small-cell lung cancer and said that non-small-cell cancers represent about 85% of lung-cancer cases.¹

Recovery and unanswered questions

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni put the expected recovery period after surgery at about one week, NPR reported. Before leaving hospital, Leo celebrated Mass in a hospital room. The broadcaster also said he was due to conduct the Angelus prayer at the papal apartment.²

Doctors who were not treating Leo told NPR that the approach taken so far suggested an early diagnosis. Pulmonologist Vin Gupta pointed to the decision to use surgery first as an indication of early-stage disease. The Vatican has not disclosed the lymph-node test results or announced further treatment.¹²

According to NPR, Leo’s public schedule was cleared until at least October 20, with a major trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru planned for early November. According to The Guardian, patients are typically told not to travel by air for two or three weeks and to do so only after the lung has completely healed.¹²