Pope Leo resumes work in hospital while recovering from surgery
Catholic leader met top Vatican aide, as doctors say recovery proceeding after lung surgery to remove cancerous growth.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV has resumed work from Gemelli hospital in Rome after surgery to remove a cancerous lung nodule.
- Doctors say his post-operative tests are normal and his recovery is proceeding as expected.
- It is unclear whether he will make his planned South America trip next month.
Pope Leo XIV has resumed work from hospital as he recovers from surgery to remove a cancerous nodule, the Vatican said on Thursday. The pope met Vatican chief of staff Archbishop Paolo Rudelli at Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he is being treated.
The 71-year-old had part of his right lung removed on Tuesday after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
Doctors report normal recovery
An update from Leo's personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and Dr Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli hospital, said the pope's post-operative tests remained within normal levels. His physiotherapy session on Thursday involved full mobility exercises, and he was going about his daily activities independently.
The doctors reported that a chest X-ray revealed good recovery of the operated lung and that his post-operative recovery was proceeding as expected. Doctors are still awaiting test results to understand the precise molecular makeup of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the lobe and whether further treatment is necessary.
The chest X-ray revealed good recovery of the operated lung. Overall, his post-operative recovery is proceeding as expected.
— Dr Luigi Carbone and Dr Stefano Margaritora
Mass and travel plans
For a second day, the pope celebrated Mass with other priests in a special chapel set up near his room on the 10th floor of the hospital, spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Leo is expected to remain in hospital until at least next Tuesday.
It is unclear whether he will make his planned trip to South American countries next month. Asked if any changes to Leo's planned trip from November 6-17 were expected, Bruni pointed to Leo's words on Sunday when he announced the discovery of the nodule and impending surgery. The trip is scheduled to include Peru, Uruguay and Argentina.
