The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV no longer needs further treatment for lung cancer after a successful surgery last week.
The Vatican spokesperson stated in a press release on Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 GMT+7, that Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer surgery last week was successful and no additional treatment is required.
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the Pope’s attending physicians, said, "The final pathological report and molecular biology analysis of the tissue removed during the Pope’s surgery were completed today."
"The results confirmed the condition as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and the disease was localized. Subsequent radiological and oncological evaluations confirmed that no further treatment or therapy is needed," the statement added.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 40% of all lung cancer cases. It tends to progress slowly and often occurs in non-smokers.
Pope Leo’s announcement on 11 October that he would undergo surgery for a "mass" in his lung caused considerable concern both inside and outside the Vatican, as he has been regularly attending to his health.
After a brief stay at a hospital in Rome, Pope Leo returned to the Vatican on 17 October. The following day, he appeared publicly for the first time since his diagnosis, leading the Sunday Angelus prayer from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
"This experience has deeply moved me with compassion for those who face illness or frailty," he told the gathered Christians.
This update on the Pope’s health comes ahead of his scheduled visit to South America next month. Earlier reports of his cancer diagnosis had complicated plans for the trip, which includes stops in Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina, requiring at least 14 flights.
Although the Vatican has not officially confirmed the travel plans, Dr. Margaritora told Vatican News that he found no "medical reason" to cancel the journey.
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Source:CNN