Pope Leo XIV cleared for travel, to skip chemo after lung cancer surgery [Photo/Courtesy]
Pope Leo XIV will not require further cancer treatment after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung, the Vatican has announced.
Medical tests confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff had early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. Doctors detected the disease before it could spread, allowing them to remove the affected tissue.
According to a statement cited by the BBC, specialists who reviewed his condition after surgery concluded that he would not need additional cancer treatment, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The Pope was discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome over the weekend after spending four days recovering from surgery. The procedure, which lasted about 90 minutes on October 13, involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung.
He returned to public engagements on Wednesday, appearing in St Peter’s Square for his weekly general audience. He spoke to members of the crowd and thanked well-wishers who had gathered to see him.
During his hospital stay, the Pope continued handling administrative duties and maintaining his diplomatic engagements. He celebrated daily Mass in his hospital suite and held telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging an end to hostilities and calling for guaranteed passage for essential food supplies.
Vatican officials said the pontiff was feeling well and remained on course to undertake his planned international travel. He is expected to visit Latin America in early November, as originally scheduled.