Pope Leo resumes work as doctors report lung recovery

Pope Leo XIV resumed work from his hospital room on Thursday as doctors reported that his recovery from surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung was proceeding as expected. The Vatican said he met with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli and celebrated Mass at the hospital for a second day. Doctors Luigi Carbone, Leo’s personal physician, and Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli hospital in Rome, said postoperative tests were within normal levels. A chest X-ray showed good recovery of the operated lung, and Leo completed physiotherapy involving full-mobility exercises. They said he was carrying out daily activities independently. The surgery, performed on October 13, confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, according to the Vatican. The pontiff’s lower right lung lobe was removed after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule. Further examination of the removed tissue is pending to establish the cancer’s molecular characteristics and whether it has spread beyond the lobe. The findings will help doctors determine whether additional treatment is needed. The Vatican has not reported the cancer’s stage or the results of tests related to its spread.