Pope Leo XIV recovering from lung cancer surgery: What happens next?

Pope Leo XIV Begins Recovery After Surgery for Lung Cancer

Poinews.com – Pope Leo XIV is recovering in Rome after surgeons removed a cancerous tumour from his right lung, an operation that places the 71-year-old pontiff’s health at the centre of attention just weeks before a demanding South American visit.

The Vatican said the pope spent a calm night following Tuesday’s procedure at Gemelli Hospital. The 90-minute operation was completed successfully within the anticipated timeframe, and he later woke normally before returning to his hospital room.

He is being treated on the hospital’s tenth floor, close to the papal apartment used during Pope Francis’s hospital stay about a year and a half ago. This is Leo XIV’s first hospitalisation since his election as pope on 8 May 2025.

Doctors Await Further Results

Part of the pope’s lung was removed during the surgery. Medical teams are now waiting for test findings that will show whether the disease has extended beyond the area already identified.

The Vatican has said the tumour was found early and appeared to be localised. Both details are important in assessing what recovery may look like and whether further treatment will be needed. At this stage, doctors have not decided on chemotherapy or other therapies, as those choices depend on the outstanding results.

For patients undergoing lung cancer surgery, the extent of the cancer is a central factor in the next steps. A localised tumour may be managed with surgery alone in some circumstances, while evidence that it has spread can lead doctors to consider additional treatment. The pope’s medical team has not yet set out a longer-term treatment plan.

“He has decided to undergo surgery soon in order to not change his plans for future overseas trips, so there is no need to worry, as it is not an emergency,” said Tokyo Cardinal Kikuchi Tsutomu, who saw the pontiff on Monday.

The cardinal’s remarks point to an operation planned in advance rather than an emergency intervention. Even so, the period after lung surgery requires close observation, and the Vatican has cleared the pope’s public calendar while he recuperates.

Public Engagements Paused Until 20 October

All papal audiences have been cancelled through 20 October. The Vatican expects Leo XIV’s initial recovery to last about a week, though the pace of his return to normal duties will depend on his condition and the advice of his doctors.

The immediate question for the Holy See is whether he can still make his scheduled journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November. The trip would be the longest foreign visit of his papacy to date, spanning more than 31,000 kilometres. Its itinerary includes 12 flights and two helicopter transfers.

Travel after thoracic surgery can present practical challenges, particularly when long flights are involved. Oncologists commonly advise patients not to fly for three weeks following such surgery. That timetable would leave the pope with only a narrow window between his operation and the planned departure.

No decision has been announced on whether the journey will proceed, be adjusted or be postponed. The upcoming days of recovery and the pending medical tests are likely to be decisive.

A Closely Watched Moment for the Vatican

The health of a pope has long carried both pastoral and institutional significance for the Catholic Church. Popes maintain an intense schedule that combines public liturgies, meetings with world leaders, Vatican administration and international travel. Any extended reduction in activity can affect the Vatican calendar and plans made by local churches preparing for a papal visit.

The Vatican was traditionally restrained in discussing papal medical conditions. That approach became more open during the pontificate of Pope Francis, who spoke publicly about several health difficulties. Updates on Leo XIV’s surgery and his early recovery reflect that more transparent recent practice, while still leaving major medical decisions to the doctors awaiting further test results.

For now, the central medical fact is that the tumour has been surgically removed and that the pope has come through the operation. The next phase will involve healing from the removal of lung tissue, monitoring his condition and determining whether the pathology results require any additional care.

Church officials and Catholics around the world will be watching for further updates as Leo XIV recovers at Gemelli Hospital. His ability to resume audiences, lead public events and undertake the November trip will become clearer once his recovery progresses and the medical assessment is complete.