Pope Leo XIV's doctors confirm no further treatment needed for lung cancer

After a week of surgery and a brief hospital stay, Pope Leo XIV’s doctors have confirmed that no further treatment is required for his lung cancer. The announcement, released on October 21, comes just days before the pontiff’s planned South‑American tour and signals a return to normal duties for the 71‑year‑old American.

The first major health event of Leo’s 17‑month pontificate began on October 13, when surgeons at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The operation was performed to excise a nodule that had been discovered incidentally during a routine abdominal exam. The tumour was identified as a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

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According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, the final histopathology and molecular testing reports were released on Wednesday evening. Dr. Luigi Carbone, the pontiff’s personal physician, and Professor Stefano Margaritora, said that the tests confirmed the tumour was localized and that a subsequent oncological assessment found no indication for further treatment.

"The results have confirmed that the condition was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized," the doctors said. "A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required."

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora, via Vaticannews

With the decision made, Leo was discharged from the Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, four days after the operation. He returned to the Vatican and delivered a brief prayer from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square. In his first general audience since the surgery, he thanked the faithful for their prayers and said he would gradually resume his activities.

"Thank you! Thank you for the support of your prayers," Leo said during the audience.

Pope Leo XIV, via NBC4 Los Angeles

During his stay at the hospital, the pontiff also took the opportunity to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin, maintaining his diplomatic schedule despite his surgery. The Vatican’s press office noted that the Pope appeared strong in the two public appearances following his discharge.

For context, the nodule was first identified during a routine abdominal examination. Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung‑cancer expert at Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, explained that the tumour’s early stage and lack of lymph‑node involvement meant that surgery alone could be curative.

"The statements suggest that this is a stage I lung cancer for which surgery is highly effective and expected to be curative," said Dr. Stephen Liu.

Dr. Stephen Liu, via NBC4 Los Angeles

Dr. Liu’s assessment aligns with the Vatican’s own statement that the disease was localized. The combination of a small tumour, early detection, and complete surgical excision has led the medical team to conclude that no additional interventions are necessary.

Despite the positive outcome, the pope’s upcoming trip to South America remains a point of discussion. The journey, scheduled to begin on November 6 and last until November 17, will cover multiple flights, two helicopter rides and a stop in the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 11,000 feet. The itinerary is demanding, but the Vatican’s secretary of state has indicated that the pontiff’s health does not preclude travel.

"I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place," Margaritora told Vatican News.

Dr. Stefano Margaritora, via NBC4 Los Angeles

Pope Leo has expressed a desire to proceed, stating that he feels “particularly close to all those who are experiencing illness and a condition of frailty.” He added that he will continue to “gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers.”

"I will now gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers," Leo said.

Pope Leo XIV, via NBC News

The medical team’s decision follows a series of tests performed after the surgery. The tissue removed during the operation was subjected to both histopathological examination and molecular profiling. The results, confirmed by an oncological review, indicated no evidence of metastasis.

According to the Vatican, the nodule had been discovered by chance during a routine abdominal scan, and the Pope had not experienced any symptoms. The rapid discharge, earlier than the initially anticipated week‑long stay, reflects the uncomplicated postoperative course reported by the medical staff.

What to Watch Next

• Official Vatican updates on the Pope’s itinerary and any medical monitoring during the South‑American visit.
• Statements from the Vatican’s Secretary of State regarding travel logistics and potential schedule adjustments.
• Medical commentary from oncology experts on the prognosis of stage‑I lung adenocarcinoma treated with lobectomy.