Pope Leo’s recovery from lung cancer surgery is progressing as planned, his doctors have said, as the pontiff receives good wishes from around the world, including a letter from Britain’s King Charles. The 71-year-old, who was elected the first US-born leader of the Roman Catholic church in May 2025, had a cancerous mass removed from his right lung late on Tuesday.
Pope Leo’s Lung Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Progress
According to a statement issued by the Vatican, doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritoria confirmed that Pope Leo began walking in his hospital room after respiratory therapy on Wednesday. He was eating normally, and a blood test and chest x-ray showed “normal post-operative progress” with values “within the expected range for the type of procedure performed.”
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The operation at Rome’s Gemelli hospital confirmed that Pope Leo has adenocarcinoma, the most common kind of lung cancer. The Vatican has not yet disclosed the results of further tests to determine whether the cancer has spread and if more treatment will be needed.
Understanding Adenocarcinoma and Pope Leo’s Diagnosis
Adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that begins in the cells lining the alveoli or the airways. It is often found in the outer parts of the lung and can be detected early. Pope Leo’s diagnosis came after he announced during his angelus prayer on Sunday that doctors had found a small nodule on his lung during a checkup, describing it as “well-contained” and detected early.
The cancer diagnosis for Pope Leo has come as a shock to many, given his relatively young age and active role. In a rare moment of Vatican transparency, the pope shared his condition publicly, prompting an outpouring of support from around the world.
Comparison of Lung Cancer Types
| Type | Prevalence | Typical Location | Common Detection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adenocarcinoma | ~40% of lung cancers | Outer lung areas | Often early, incidental |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | ~25-30% | Central airways | Later, with symptoms |
| Small cell lung cancer | ~10-15% | Central, aggressive | Usually advanced |
Global Support and Next Steps for Pope Leo
Messages have been sent from around the world. King Charles, who is also being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, wrote to Pope Leo expressing his support. The Vatican has not yet released details on whether the cancer has spread, but further tests are expected to guide the next phase of treatment.
Pope Leo’s recovery is being closely monitored by his medical team, and his resilience is a source of hope for many. The pontiff’s openness about his health has been praised as a step toward greater transparency in the Vatican.
Key Takeaways from Pope Leo’s Health Update
- Surgery successful: The cancerous mass was removed from Pope Leo’s right lung.
- Post-operative progress: He is walking, eating normally, and test results are within expected ranges.
- Diagnosis confirmed: Adenocarcinoma, the most common lung cancer type.
- Further tests pending: To determine if the cancer has spread and if more treatment is needed.
- Global support: Messages from King Charles and others worldwide.
FAQ
What type of lung cancer does Pope Leo have?
Pope Leo has adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, which was confirmed after surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his right lung.
How is Pope Leo’s recovery progressing?
His doctors report that recovery is progressing as planned. He began walking after respiratory therapy, is eating normally, and blood tests and chest x-rays show normal post-operative progress.
Will Pope Leo need further treatment?
The Vatican has not yet disclosed results of further tests to determine whether the cancer has spread. Additional treatment will be decided based on those results.
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