Vatican officials announced Friday that Pope Leo XIV’s post‑operative recovery is proceeding smoothly after he underwent lung surgery on October 13. The pope, 71, had the lower lobe of his right lung removed after doctors identified a suspicious nodule that proved to be adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Medical update confirms continued improvement
A medical update signed by the pontiff’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, stated that the pope’s condition allows him to perform his daily activities independently. The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, added that Leo presided over Mass on Friday and distributed Communion in a specially prepared chapel within the hospital.
Angelus prayer and upcoming South American trip
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said a live broadcast of the traditional Sunday Angelus from the hospital is possible, depending on the pope’s recovery. Bruni indicated he would deliver the prayer if the pope is unable to appear in person.
Despite lingering questions about the pope’s long‑term health, the Vatican published a list of journalists who will travel with Leo on his November 6‑17 pilgrimage to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The release of the media list signals that, at an organizational level, the trip remains on track, though officials reserve the right to adjust plans if necessary.
Potential adjustments to the pontificate
In remarks to reporters on Thursday, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged the surprise of the surgery and suggested that the pope may need to “adjust his pontificate” based on medical advice and his recovery timeline. He emphasized that no predictions can be made at this stage, and that any adjustments would be guided by the doctors’ recommendations.
Ongoing tests and patient support
Doctors are awaiting further test results to determine the precise molecular and genetic characteristics of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the removed lobe, and what additional treatment, if any, may be required.
Meanwhile, the Vatican shared photos of get‑well notes sent to the pope from patients in Gemelli’s pediatric oncology ward. One note, from 7‑year‑old Angelo, read, “My mother and I pray for you every night. Get well soon.” A university‑age student, Giorgia, wrote, “When I heard about your situation I felt a thousand times harder, because in some ways we’re going through the same thing. I pray to God that we both heal and I ask you to pray for me, too.”
What this means for the faithful
Public appearances by a hospitalized pope have traditionally served as reassurance to the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The Vatican’s willingness to broadcast the Angelus and to proceed with the South American itinerary underscores a commitment to maintain continuity of papal ministry while prioritizing the pope’s health.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
