Pope Leo XIV is recovering well after undergoing lung cancer surgery on Tuesday, the Vatican shared a health update on Thursday, adding that the pontiff has started doing light work again. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung due to lung adenocarcinoma.
The medical team stated that the 71-year-old religious leader is recovering well. Routine medical checks produced normal results, while a chest X-ray showed good recovery of the lung following the operation.
Pope Leo has resumed his daily activities independently and continued physiotherapy as part of his recovery. He had a good night at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital, where he ate breakfast, according to the Vatican.
The hospital, often known as the "hospital of the popes," has treated several pontiffs over the years. Pope Leo is expected to remain there for about a week.
Despite positive updates, doctors have yet to establish the full prognosis. Further examination of the removed tissue will help determine the cancer's characteristics and whether additional treatment is needed.
The Vatican has not confirmed whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The pontiff's public engagements have been suspended until 20 October while he recovers.
His planned visit to South America in November has not officially been changed. The global Catholic community continues to offer prayers for his swift recovery as the Vatican maintains transparency regarding his health status.
Medical experts emphasize that at the age of 71, the recovery process requires careful monitoring. The surgical team remains optimistic about his progress given his stable vital signs.
The Vatican press office indicated that further updates will be provided as more laboratory results become available in the coming days. As the world watches, the focus remains on the pontiff's comfort and the successful completion of his post-operative rehabilitation program.