Vatican says Pope Leo recovering as expected after lung cancer surgery

Vatican City, Vatican City. Pope Leo’s recovery is proceeding as expected following Tuesday’s surgery for lung cancer, the Vatican reported on Wednesday. The 71-year-old pontiff has started walking around his hospital room and resumed normal eating.

Post-operative checks

The Vatican said Wednesday’s blood tests and chest X-ray produced results consistent with a normal recovery after surgery. Leo also received respiratory physiotherapy.

Doctors announced that the pope was receiving treatment for lung adenocarcinoma, the most widespread type of lung cancer. During Tuesday’s operation, they removed his right lung’s lower lobe, seeking to eliminate all cancerous tissue.

The lungs contain five lobes in total: the right has three and the left has two.

Prayers and concerns over his papacy

The diagnosis prompted shock and questions about how the illness would affect Leo’s papacy. Elected in May 2025, he has been regarded as relatively young and energetic and ordinarily maintains a demanding schedule.

World leaders, Catholics worldwide and senior Vatican cardinals offered prayers following the operation. At Wednesday’s outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square, a prayer called for his full healing and a good recovery.

November tour remains scheduled

Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between November 6 and 17. The Vatican press office said on Wednesday that “nothing has changed” concerning the tour.

Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori, however, said that day that the dates might need to be adjusted to accommodate the time required for his recovery.

Vatican work during illness

As the highest earthly authority for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the pope has no deputy to assume his responsibilities during illness.

If a pope becomes incapacitated, the Vatican’s extensive bureaucracy continues its routine work, while decisions needing his approval are deferred.