Skip to content

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.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

I agree that EWTN will keep me informed about news, faith stories and how to best support their work. You will never receive e-mails from us that you do not want to receive. You can unsubscribe any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

More news related to this article

Pope Leo XIV introduces significant reform to Holy See’s investments

Last week, Pope Leo XIV introduced a significant reform to the financial architecture of the Holy See. With the motu

Pope Francis to Receive Argentine President in Audience

The President of Argentina, Alberto Fernández, will be received at the Vatican by Pope Francis in a formal

Beltrame Quattrocchi: the Story of the First Married Couple to be Beatified Together in the Catholic Church

Tracing the Legacy of Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi: A Testament to Love, Faith, and Family in the Heart of Rome

Vatican News: The Chosen Cast Meets Pope Leo XIV as Jubilee Celebrates Clergy

Vatican news: The Chosen cast meets Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square. Meanwhile, the Pope calls clergy to true vocation, demands justice on drug trafficking, and meets the Order of Malta

Pope Leo XIV meets USCCB leadership and other prominent American bishops

The pontiff met with several American bishops from Oct. 1–5, and three U.S. cardinals are set to be

Cardinal Sarah to theology students: ‘The more we know the Lord the more we can love him’

Cardinal Robert Sarah urged students studying at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas to ask in prayer for “an intimate and profound union with the Lord and with one another.”

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com