Pope Leo XIV Resumes Work from Hospital as Lung Recovery Proceeds as Expected

Pope Leo XIV has resumed limited work from his room at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and is recovering as expected after surgery on 13 October to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, where doctors found a malignant adenocarcinoma. A chest X-ray taken on Thursday showed good recovery of the operated lung, according to a statement signed by his personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and the lead surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent routine checks including blood tests and the X-ray; results were normal. He carried out daily activities independently, and his physical-therapy session included a full range of motor activities. On Wednesday evening he concelebrated Mass in a hospital chapel on the tenth floor. On Thursday he met Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, undersecretary of state, and reviewed documents. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope had started back to work.

Leo is scheduled for release on or around 20 October, one week after admission. All public audiences have been cancelled through that date. Officials are still considering whether he can recite the Angelus prayer from the hospital on Sunday. The surgery lasted about 90 minutes and confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Further molecular tests are pending to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the removed lobe and whether additional treatment will be required.

Gemelli Hospital has long maintained a papal suite on its tenth floor. Previous popes, including John Paul II, have been treated there. Friends and Catholic leaders expressed confidence in the pope’s recovery while noting the seriousness of the diagnosis. The Vatican has released daily medical updates since the operation, each confirming that the post-operative course remains within expected parameters.

The pope’s ability to resume light work within 48 hours of major thoracic surgery provides an early indicator of his physical condition. Whether he will require chemotherapy or further intervention will depend on the pathology results still to come. For the moment, the medical team reports that recovery is proceeding on the timeline originally outlined.