Pope Leo XIV's Doctors Report Normal Recovery After Lung Surgery

Doctors treating Pope Leo XIV reported on 15 October 2026 that his recovery from lung surgery is progressing normally. A chest X-ray that morning showed good recovery of the lung that was operated on. The 71-year-old pontiff has begun limited work from his room at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

Surgeons removed the lower lobe of Leo's right lung on 13 October to treat lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The operation lasted about 90 minutes and was completed without complications. Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the lead surgeon, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the pope's personal physician, signed the latest medical bulletin. They said routine checks produced normal results and that Leo carried out his daily activities independently. His physiotherapy session included a full range of physical activities.

The Holy See Press Office said Leo concelebrated Mass on Thursday morning in a room prepared for the purpose on the hospital's tenth floor. He had done the same on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday he also met Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, the Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State. Press office director Matteo Bruni confirmed that the pope has started back to work.

Public engagements remain cancelled through 20 October. The Vatican has not yet released the size of the tumour or whether cancer had reached nearby lymph nodes. Those details, along with the full pathology report, will help determine any further treatment. Officials have said the surgery aimed at radical removal of the affected lobe. Leo is expected to remain in hospital for about one week.

Blood tests and earlier X-rays after the operation also fell within expected ranges. On Wednesday the pope began walking in his room, resumed a normal diet, and completed respiratory physiotherapy. The medical team has described the overall recovery as proceeding as expected. Plans for a November trip to South America remain unchanged for now.

Leo is the first pope from the United States. He was elected earlier in 2025. The surgery and the subsequent updates have been followed closely by Catholic leaders and governments. U.S. President Donald Trump is among those who have sent messages wishing him a speedy recovery. The Vatican has limited its public statements to the medical bulletins signed by the two doctors and short notes from the press office.

The next medical update is expected once the pathology results are ready. Until then the schedule of cancelled audiences stands. Leo continues physiotherapy and light work from the tenth-floor room while the lung that was operated on recovers.