Pope Leo XIV Needs No More Cancer Treatment After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV will not require additional treatment for lung cancer after final testing showed that the disease was confined to one area, his doctors said Wednesday.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora released the results slightly more than a week after surgeons removed a tumor from the pope’s right lung.

“The final histopathology and molecular testing reports on the tissue removed during the Holy Father’s surgery were issued today,” the doctors said in a statement.

“The results confirmed that the tumor was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized. A subsequent oncological assessment has confirmed that no further treatment is necessary.”

Pope Leo underwent the procedure on Oct. 13 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The operation took about 90 minutes, while the pope spent roughly three hours in the operating room, according to the Holy See.

The Holy See press office said after the surgery that it had been successful and that no complications occurred.

The pontiff awoke normally and returned to his hospital room after a short observation period, Vatican News reported.

He left the hospital Saturday after blood tests and a chest X-ray indicated that he was fit to return to the Vatican. Thousands of well-wishers gathered outside Gemelli, cheering “Papa!” as he departed.

Before his discharge, Leo visited the children’s oncology ward, where young patients had sent him letters during his stay.

“Pope Leo, our prayers are for you,” a girl named Eleonora wrote in a letter published by Vatican News.

“May God, the Most Holy Virgin, and the guardian angels always protect you,” she added.

According to the Vatican, Eleonora’s mother told the pope that her daughter was now healthy.

“Faith moves mountains,” Eleonora wrote. “God has heard our prayers.”