Pope Leo XIV cleared of further treatment after lung cancer surgery

Vatican doctors confirmed the pontiff’s lung cancer was localized and no further therapy is required, after his return to public duties.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:29:54 GMT

Vatican doctors announced on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV will not require any additional therapy following his lung cancer operation, confirming that the disease was localized.

What happened

The 71‑year‑old pontiff underwent surgery on 13 October at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a routine scan detected a pulmonary adenocarcinoma nodule. Final histological examinations completed on 21 October showed the tumour had not spread. The pope returned to St Peter’s Square on 21 October for his weekly general audience, riding in the open‑air popemobile and greeting pilgrims.

What the reports add

Independent UK reported that lead surgeon Stefano Margaritora said there are no clinical reasons preventing travel, though the pope’s scheduled South‑American trip remains unconfirmed.
The same outlet noted that the Vatican secretary of state said the pope may adjust the pace of his schedule to aid his ongoing recovery.
NBC News quoted the Vatican press office, naming Dr Luigi Carbone and Prof Stefano Margaritora as the doctors who confirmed the localized diagnosis and the lack of need for further therapy.
NBC added that the pope rode the popemobile for the first time since surgery and that he delivered a prayer from his apartment window on Sunday, the day after discharge.
Both sources confirmed the pope’s upcoming South‑American journey is still slated for 6‑17 November, covering Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, but its feasibility remains under review.
Margaritora told Vatican News that recovery from this type of surgery typically takes a couple of weeks and that, regarding the planned long‑haul flights, “there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place.”

What was said

"The results have confirmed that the condition was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized… A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required," said Dr Luigi Carbone and Prof Stefano Margaritora, NBC News.

"This experience has made me feel particularly close to all those who are experiencing illness and a condition of frailty," Pope Leo XIV told the crowd, NBC News.

"Having come through this delicate phase, as you know, I will now gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers," the pope added, NBC News.

"As for a long trip involving air travel in about three weeks, I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place," Margaritora said, NBC News.

How it came about

The surgery followed the pope’s own announcement during his Angelus address on 11 October that he would undergo lung surgery (Felo News, 11 Oct). Earlier coverage noted his diagnosis on 15 October and his limited return to duties on 15‑16 October, including celebrating Mass in the hospital (Felo News, 16 Oct). The latest health update confirms the expected recovery trajectory outlined in those earlier reports.

Key facts

Pope Leo XIV underwent lung surgery on 13 October at Gemelli Hospital. (independent.co.uk)
Doctors confirmed the tumour was a localized pulmonary adenocarcinoma. (nbcnews.com)
No further therapy is required, according to Vatican doctors. (independent.co.uk)
The pope returned to St Peter’s Square on 21 October for his general audience. (independent.co.uk)

Timeline

2026-10-11 — Pope Leo XIV announced upcoming lung surgery.
2026-10-13 — Lung surgery performed at Gemelli Hospital.
2026-10-15 — Pope celebrated Mass in hospital and resumed limited duties.
2026-10-21 — Doctors announce no further therapy needed; pope returns to public audience.