Pope Leo XIV underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray Wednesday, the day after surgery to remove a small nodule from his right lung. The Vatican said the results were within the expected range for the operation and that his recovery was progressing normally.
The Holy See Press Office reported that the pope had a calm night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. A statement attributed to Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said Leo had started respiratory physiotherapy and was walking around his room. He had also resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch, the statement said.
The Vatican previously announced that Leo, 71, underwent thoracic surgery Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors identified the condition as lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The diagnosis was confirmed by examining tissue during the operation, consistent with findings from tests conducted beforehand, according to the Holy See.
The surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes, while Leo spent roughly three hours in the operating room. Doctors said the procedure was successful and that there were no complications.
Before the operation, Leo described the lung nodule as small, detected at an early stage and well situated. After an Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square on Monday, he said doctors recommended surgery and that he had decided to follow their advice. He also thanked supporters for their spiritual closeness and asked for prayers.
The Vatican’s Wednesday update described the postoperative results as normal for the procedure. It did not provide further details about a treatment plan or the expected length of the pope’s hospital stay.
