The Vatican shared an update on Wednesday regarding Pope Leo XIV, noting that the Pontiff is making a steady recovery following lung surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic. Doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung on Tuesday, after preliminary diagnostic screenings identified a suspicious localized nodule. Intraoperative pathology analysis subsequently confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni reported that the Holy Father spent a restful night in his hospital room and that his post-operative status remains fully stable.
In a formal statement released Wednesday, the Vatican Press Office confirmed that routine follow-up examinations—including laboratory blood work and a preliminary chest X-ray—yielded satisfactory results. Officials noted that “the results confirm a normal post-operative course: the values are within the expected range for the type of procedure performed”. The Vatican noted that the 71-year-old pontiff has already initiated a targeted regimen of respiratory physiotherapy, resumed eating solid meals for breakfast and lunch, and successfully managed light physical activity by walking brief distances within his medical quarters.
The surgical team, led by chief thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora, successfully excised the pulmonary tissue without encountering intraoperative complications. Further pathological testing will dictate whether follow-up therapeutic measures—such as targeted pharmaceutical treatments or specialized therapies—will be required. Meanwhile, the Vatican reaffirmed that the pontiff is expected to remain hospitalized at the Gemelli facility for approximately one week to ensure adequate physical rehabilitation.
Despite his temporary medical confinement, church administration officials indicated that long-term papal engagements remain on track. Addressing reporters gathered at the Press Office, Bruni addressed inquiries regarding upcoming papal travel, confirming that scheduled apostolic journeys, including a planned voyage to South America, remain unchanged at this time. He emphasized to reporters that “What I told you previously still stands. We have heard the Pope’s words about the trip, namely, his intention, his desire, and also the fact that he intends to go.” Medical updates regarding the pontiff’s progress will continue to be issued daily by the Holy See Press Office.
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