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Pope Leo XIV needs no further treatment after lung cancer surgery, Vatican says

Pope Leo XIV concludes his stay at the Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 17, 2026. | Credit Vatican Media
Pope Leo XIV concludes his stay at the Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 17, 2026. | Credit Vatican Media

Final histological examinations and molecular biology tests on tissue removed during the Holy Fatherʼs surgery were completed.

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican Press Office issued an important statement Wednesday evening on Pope Leo XIVʼs recovery following his Oct. 13 surgery, confirming that no further treatment is necessary.

The brief statement provided a significant update on the popeʼs postoperative condition.

“Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora report the following regarding the popeʼs postoperative recovery: Today, the final histological examinations and molecular biology tests on the tissue removed during the Holy Fatherʼs surgery were completed. The results confirmed that it was pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized. A subsequent oncological assessment confirmed that no further treatment is necessary,” the statement said.

The news that Pope Leo XIV will not require additional treatment following his surgery is an announcement that the world had been awaiting.

Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Romeʼs Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 17 and returned to the Vatican.

On Oct. 21, he held his first general audience since the operation. Appearing to be in excellent spirits, the pope was undeterred by the rain in Rome.

He wanted to be close to the faithful and thank them for their prayers for his health.

This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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