Vatican says Pope Leo XIV needs no further treatment after lung cancer surgery
In short
The Vatican said Pope Leo XIV's doctors have confirmed that the tumour removed on 13 October was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localised. A follow-up oncological assessment found that no further therapy is required.
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The Vatican has said that the doctors of Pope Leo XIV confirmed, after his lung surgery, that he needs no further treatment. RIA Novosti reported that the cancer was localised, citing his attending doctors. Vedomosti, citing the Holy See press office, said the same. [ 1 , 2 ]
The doctors' statement, as relayed by the Vatican press office and quoted by RIA Novosti, said the results confirmed it was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localised. It added that the follow-up oncological assessment confirmed no further therapy is needed. RIA Novosti said the final results of the histological and molecular-biological analyses of the material removed in the operation were received on Wednesday. Vedomosti said the tests also showed the disease had not spread beyond the affected area. [ 1 , 2 ]
RBC reported that the doctors confirmed the tumour removed on 13 October was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localised. [ 3 ]
According to RIA Novosti and Vedomosti, Leo XIV said on 11 October, after his sermon, that he would undergo an operation. RIA Novosti said this was because of a lung nodule found at an early stage. On 13 October he had the lower lobe of his right lung removed. RIA Novosti said the operation went well and without complications. [ 1 , 2 ]
RIA Novosti said the pope was discharged earlier than planned, as he had been expected to stay in the clinic for about a week after the operation. Vedomosti said he left the hospital in Rome on 17 October and returned to the Vatican. On 18 October he appeared in public for the first time after the operation. According to Vedomosti, he addressed pilgrims in St Peter's Square from a window of the Apostolic Palace, thanked believers around the world for their prayers and said he would gradually resume his activities. The Vatican said about 15,000 people gathered in the square and greeted him with shouts and applause. [ 1 , 2 ]
Why it matters
The announcement gives the final medical findings after the pope's operation and says no further treatment is planned. The documents do not discuss wider consequences.
Key facts
- Final histological and molecular-biological test results confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The doctors said the disease was localised and did not spread beyond the affected area. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- A follow-up oncological assessment concluded that no further therapy is needed. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Leo XIV had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on 13 October. [ 1 , 2 ]
- He left the hospital in Rome on 17 October, according to Vedomosti, and appeared publicly on 18 October. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The exact date of the pope's discharge from hospital. Vedomosti gives 17 October; RIA Novosti says only that he left the hospital on the previous Saturday, and its text is cut off.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- RIA Novosti reported on 21 October that the pope's doctors said he needs no further treatment. [ 1 ]
- Vedomosti reported on 22 October the Holy See's account of the final results. [ 2 ]
- RBC reported on 22 October that the doctors confirmed the removed tumour was a localised lung adenocarcinoma. [ 3 ]