Pope Leo XIV won’t need any additional treatment for his lung cancer after last week’s surgery, the Vatican announced on Wednesday.
Leo’s condition featured a localized pulmonary adenocarcinoma, which allowed the condition to be addressed with surgery without the need for any ongoing treatment.
“Today, the final histological examinations and molecular biology tests on the tissue removed during the Holy Fatherʼs surgery were completed,” read a statement from the Vatican, citing Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora. “The results confirmed that it was pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized. A subsequent oncological assessment confirmed that no further treatment is necessary.”
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Surgeons removed the lower section of the American pope’s right lung to ensure that no cancerous cells remained.
Leo, 71, returned to work on Wednesday, holding his first general audience since the surgery.
“The first thing I would like to say is thank you! Thank you for the support of your prayers,” he said, addressing the gathered audience from a balcony. “Thanks be to God for His generosity. Let us all renew our trust in God’s goodness and mercy.”
The pope is next scheduled to travel to South America for an 11-day trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru that begins on Nov. 6. Officials have not announced any plans to limit Leo’s travel.
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