Pope Leo XIV requires no further treatment following lung cancer surgery

The Vatican press office announced on Wednesday evening, October 21, 2026, that Pope Leo XIV does not require additional medical treatment following his recent surgery. Medical professionals reached this conclusion based on results from a biopsy performed on tissue removed during the procedure. The analysis confirmed the presence of clearly defined lung adenocarcinoma.

On October 13, the 71-year-old pontiff underwent a successful operation at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, during which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. The surgery followed routine examinations that identified a suspicious nodule. The procedure was reported to be free of complications, and doctors had initially refrained from prescribing chemotherapy while waiting for the detailed laboratory results. Following the surgery, the Pope's public schedule was suspended through at least October 20 to facilitate his recovery.