Pope Leo XIV Continues Steady Recovery After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV continues to make steady progress in a Rome hospital following his surgery earlier this week. The 71-year-old leader underwent a procedure to remove a section of his right lung after a routine health check revealed a small growth. According to The Guardian, doctors confirmed the growth was a type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma, which is the most common form of the disease in people who have never smoked.

This latest update comes after the Vatican reported that the Pope had a successful second night following the operation. The surgery, known as a lobectomy, involved removing one of the five sections of the lung. By taking out the entire section containing the tumor, surgeons aimed to remove all cancer cells while leaving enough healthy tissue for the Pope to live an active life. The Guardian noted that the remaining parts of the lung will adapt over time to support his breathing.

To ensure the surgery was as safe and effective as possible, the medical team used a video-assisted technique. This is a common form of keyhole surgery, which uses a camera and small cuts rather than a large opening. This method is generally preferred because it leads to less pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. During the procedure, doctors also checked nearby lymph nodes—small glands that help the body fight infection—to see if the cancer had spread. The Vatican has not yet shared the results of those specific tests.

One of the reasons for the quick diagnosis was a technique called a frozen section. While the Pope was still under anesthesia, doctors took a sample of the lung tissue and quickly froze and examined it under a microscope. This allowed the medical team to confirm the cancer diagnosis within minutes and decide exactly how much lung tissue needed to be removed. This process is highly effective for ensuring that surgeons do not remove more healthy tissue than is necessary.

Following the surgery, the Pope has already begun the process of getting back on his feet. Medical staff helped him out of bed just one day after the operation. Moving early is a standard part of recovery, as it helps lower the risk of chest infections and blood clots. A tube, known as a chest drain, remains in place to help air and fluid escape while the lung heals. The Vatican expects the pontiff to remain in the hospital for about a week to ensure he is stable.

Looking ahead, the final pathology report will be the most important factor in deciding the next steps for his health. Adenocarcinoma is often tested for specific genetic changes that certain modern drugs can target. If the tests show that the cancer has not spread, surgery alone can sometimes be enough to cure the patient. However, if the results suggest a higher risk, doctors may recommend additional treatments to keep him healthy.

While the news of the Pope’s illness has been a subject of international concern, the reports from his medical team remain positive. The focus now is on his continued rest and physical recovery. As he heals, the Vatican will likely provide more updates on his ability to return to his official duties. For now, the medical team is satisfied with his progress, noting that his recovery is following a normal and healthy path.