Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, with his surgeon confirming that he is on track for a full recovery. Dr. Stefano Margaritora stated that there are no medical reasons to prevent the Pope from embarking on his upcoming journey to Latin America next month.
The 71-year-old Pope underwent a successful operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, revealing that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Despite the significant surgery, Leo left the hospital ahead of schedule and is expected to fully recuperate within the next 10 days.
Leo is set to travel to Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina from November 6 to 17, involving multiple flights and helicopter rides to high altitudes. Dr. Margaritora expressed confidence that the Pope’s health condition should not impede his travel plans in the coming weeks.
Upon leaving the hospital, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the well-wishers and stated that he is feeling much better. He interacted with patients at the hospital and received a homemade papal doll from a young girl who credited their previous encounter with giving her strength during her own battle with cancer.
In the days following the surgery, Pope Leo has shown positive signs of recovery, engaging in various activities such as holding meetings, celebrating mass, and even conversing with world leaders. Margaritora revealed that the cancer was detected incidentally during routine examinations, and the Pope had exhibited no symptoms prior to the diagnosis.
Further tests are being conducted to determine the extent of the cancer and the appropriate course of treatment. Margaritora commended the Pope’s resilience and determination in his recovery process, noting that minimal medical intervention has been required due to his proactive approach to healing.