RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will not require further cancer treatment following successful surgery to remove a tumour from his right lung.
The announcement came on Wednesday, October 21, after medical examinations confirmed that the cancer had not spread beyond its original location.
The 71-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 13, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
The procedure confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
In a medical statement released by the Vatican, the Pope’s lead surgeon, Professor Stefano Margaritora, and his personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, said the final laboratory examinations showed that the disease was localised.
According to the doctors, additional treatment was unnecessary following their assessment of tissue removed during the operation.
The medical team explained that histological examinations and molecular testing confirmed the initial diagnosis without identifying evidence that the cancer had spread.
The development represents a significant improvement in the Pope’s medical outlook, although he is expected to continue recovering from the operation under medical supervision.
Pope Leo was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, October 17, four days after surgery, and returned to his residence at the Vatican.
The pontiff subsequently resumed public engagements, appearing before thousands of worshippers at St Peter’s Square on Sunday.
On Wednesday, he conducted his first weekly general audience since the operation, greeting pilgrims and thanking Catholics around the world for their prayers.
The Pope appeared in public aboard the popemobile, waving to worshippers and interacting with visitors gathered at the Vatican.
Medical officials disclosed that the tumour had been discovered unexpectedly during routine abdominal examinations, rather than through symptoms associated with lung cancer.
Surgeon Margaritora explained that the location of the abnormality allowed doctors to identify it during examinations originally intended for another purpose.
The Vatican has indicated that Pope Leo will gradually resume his official responsibilities while continuing his recovery.
Attention has also turned to his scheduled international visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17.
Although the trip would involve several flights and demanding engagements, the surgeon said there was no immediate medical reason preventing the Pope from undertaking the journey.
However, final arrangements remain subject to his continued recovery and medical advice.
The Vatican’s latest statement provides reassurance about the Pope’s immediate health, with doctors concluding that additional cancer therapy is not currently required following the surgical removal of the localised tumour.
