Pope Leo XIV has been given a clean bill of health following his recent medical procedure, with medical professionals stating that he requires no further treatment. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to public life on Wednesday, making his first appearance at St Peter's Square for a weekly general audience since being discharged from hospital over the weekend.
Surgical Details and Medical Findings
The operation took place on 13 October and lasted for 90 minutes, during which surgeons successfully removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung. Laboratory analysis of the removed tissue confirmed the initial diagnosis of a lung adenocarcinoma and established that the condition remained localised. A subsequent oncological assessment shared in a Vatican statement confirmed that no further treatment is necessary.
The pontiff had previously announced the upcoming procedure himself during Sunday prayers, informing worshippers gathered in St Peter's Square that doctors had discovered a lung nodule which had fortunately been detected at an early stage.
Hospital Discharge and Public Engagement
Having spent four days recovering at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the Pope was discharged over the weekend, pausing briefly to speak with well-wishers on his way out of the grounds. Just days after his operation, on Friday, photographs emerged showing him celebrating Mass from his hospital room while wearing green vestments behind a makeshift altar.
Despite his recovery, the pontiff remained active in international diplomacy. On the same Friday, the Vatican reported that he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in the blockaded Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, facilitating food aid delivery while advocating for dialogue and peace. He held a similar telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday.
Those close to the Pope have indicated that he remains eager to proceed with a planned trip to Latin America scheduled for early November.
