Recovery on track after lung surgery
Pope Leo XIV is recovering as expected after an operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of one of his lungs, his doctors said. The 71-year-old pontiff has started walking again and has returned to a normal diet following the procedure, which lasted about 90 minutes, according to a medical update released by the Vatican. The surgery took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, after which the Pope was diagnosed with lung cancer. The Vatican described the operation as successful and free of complications.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7][S8]
Blood tests and a chest X-ray carried out early on Wednesday indicated that his recovery was proceeding normally, the doctors said. The pontiff has also undergone respiratory physiotherapy. After the operation, the Vatican said the entire lower lobe of the Pope's right lung had been removed to ensure the procedure was radical. The Holy See had earlier said that after surgery the Pope woke normally and, following a short period of observation, returned to his room, where he spent a quiet night. He is expected to stay there for roughly a week while he recuperates.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7][S8]
How the diagnosis emerged
During his weekly Sunday prayers, Leo XIV announced that he would be admitted for the operation, telling the crowd in St. Peter's Square that doctors had found a well-localized nodule in his lung at an early stage and had advised removing it. Nodules are fairly common and are not necessarily cancerous, but after examining the one removed from the Pope, the medical team confirmed that it was, as had been suspected in preoperative tests, the Vatican said. He was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. A Vatican source told the AFP news agency that further tests had been carried out to check whether the cancer had spread. The Vatican has stressed that the Pope, who is generally considered to be in good health, showed no symptoms of infection or disease.[S1]
The news has shocked Catholics around the world, many of whom remember the hospital visits of Leo XIV's predecessor, Pope Francis. Francis, who died last year, also had part of a lung removed in his youth and later suffered a series of respiratory infections in adulthood.[S1]
What is lung adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinomas develop in the cells that produce mucus and are one of the most common types of lung cancer. The long-term outlook depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis and the person's general health. The earlier it is detected, the better, and treatments have improved considerably in recent decades. Some adenocarcinomas are found early, before symptoms appear, during routine tests. At more advanced stages, lung cancer can cause a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue and weight loss.[S1]
