Pope Leo XIV will not require further cancer treatment, the Vatican says.
The Vatican says doctors found no need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy, while the pontiff remains on course for a Latin America visit.
Pope Leo XIV will not need further cancer treatment after surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung. The Vatican said specialists reached that conclusion after reviewing his condition following the operation.
Tests confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff had early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. However, doctors detected the disease before it spread and removed the affected tissue.
Pope Leo XIV will not need chemotherapy
The specialists concluded that neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy would be necessary, the Vatican statement said. The October 13 operation lasted about 90 minutes and involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung.
After spending four days recovering, the Pope left Gemelli Hospital in Rome over the weekend. Vatican officials said he was feeling well and remained on course for his planned international travel.
He is expected to visit Latin America in early November, keeping to his original schedule.
Return to public engagements
The pontiff resumed public engagements on Wednesday with his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square. During the appearance, he spoke with members of the crowd and thanked those who had gathered to wish him well.
Meanwhile, his hospital stay had not brought all papal work to a halt. He continued handling administrative duties and maintaining diplomatic engagements while recovering from the procedure.
Diplomatic calls during hospital stay
The Pope also celebrated daily Mass in his hospital suite and held telephone conversations with two world leaders. He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In those conversations, he urged an end to hostilities. He also called for guaranteed passage for essential food supplies.
