Pope Leo XIV will not require any complementary treatment after undergoing surgery to remove a malignant tumor in his lung, a procedure performed on October 13. The Vatican released a statement on Wednesday with the final histopathology and molecular test reports regarding the tissue removed during the Holy Father's surgery.
The results confirmed that the tumor was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the condition was localized. A subsequent oncological evaluation ratified that no additional treatment is necessary.
The Pope's doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, informed on Wednesday night that the follow-up oncological analysis confirmed that 'no additional treatment is necessary.'
It is important to note that the pontiff underwent surgery on October 13, after the detection of a nodule in the lung. According to the post-intervention medical bulletin, which lasted 90 minutes, tests confirmed the pulmonary adenocarcinoma, whose suspicion arose during preoperative examinations.
The Pope was discharged from the hospital on the previous Saturday, October 17, just four days after the medical procedure. Initially, the Vatican had planned a one-week hospitalization and suspended his audiences until Tuesday, October 20.
Leo XIV assumed leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics globally on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American Pope in history, following the death of Pope Francis, Argentinian, at the age of 88. Although with a less extravagant style than his predecessor, Leo XIV has gradually imposed his own approach to leading the Catholic Church, addressing urgent world issues, from violent conflicts to Artificial Intelligence.
