In brief
Pope Leo, aged 71, had a 90‑minute surgery on October 13 to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung. Histology confirmed a localized lung adenocarcinoma, and an oncologist confirmed that no additional therapy is required. The pontiff was discharged from Gemelli Hospital over the weekend and returned to St Peter’s Square for his first general audience since recovery. He also used his platform to urge peace in Ukraine, calling on leaders to allow food delivery in Oleshky. The Pope looks forward to a planned Latin‑American trip in early November.
Pope Leo says he does not need any further treatment after a successful lung operation.
After a 90‑minute surgery on October 13, doctors removed a nodule from the lower lobe of his right lung. Pathology confirmed the tumour was a localized adenocarcinoma of the lung, the same type first identified in his preliminary scans.
Subsequent oncological assessment found no remaining cancerous cells, meaning no chemotherapy or radiotherapy is required.
The 71‑year‑old pontiff was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital over the weekend, greeting well‑wishers as he left the hospital grounds. He returned to St Peter’s Square on Wednesday for his first weekly general audience since the operation.
During the hospital stay, Leo used his voice to call for peace. He telephoned Russian President Vladimir Putin asking for a ceasefire in the blockaded area of Oleshky to enable food aid, and spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to urge dialogue and safety for civilians.
The Vatican also reported that the Pope had expressed a desire to keep his upcoming trip to Latin America, scheduled for early November, on track. The return to public duties signals a swift recovery and a renewed focus on both spiritual and diplomatic priorities.
