Pope Leo XIV recovering normally after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is recovering as expected after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, with blood tests and a chest X-ray showing a normal postoperative course, the Vatican said Wednesday. Doctors reported that he was eating, walking in his hospital room and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy. Further tests are needed to determine whether the cancer has spread and whether additional treatment will be recommended. The Vatican said the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma. It has not reported results from tests of the cancer’s extent or any lymph nodes. Doctors are awaiting those results before deciding on a course of treatment, according to the Vatican’s medical updates. Leo underwent surgery Tuesday at Gemelli hospital in Rome. The Vatican said the procedure removed the lower lobe of his right lung. In Wednesday’s update, doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said his blood-test and chest X-ray results were within the expected range for the operation. He had resumed his regular diet and eaten breakfast and lunch, the Vatican reported. The Vatican canceled the pope’s audiences through October 20.