Pope Leo's lung cancer surgery confirmed no further treatment is needed, with doctors stating the cancer was localized. The 71-year-old underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule, confirming adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. The procedure, which took place last week, was the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate.
The surgery, which lasted 90 minutes, involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors confirmed the cancer was localized and no further treatment is necessary. The pope was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, four days after the surgery, and is expected to resume his activities. The nodule was found during a routine abdominal examination and was not causing any symptoms.
The Vatican stated that the cancer was detected at an early stage, making surgery sufficient for treatment. The pope has continued his public duties, including a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a public audience at the Vatican. His next major engagement is a trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, which is deemed feasible without further medical restrictions.
The pope's transparency about his health, including the live broadcast of the surgery during the traditional Sunday blessing, marks a departure from the usual secrecy surrounding papal health issues. The Vatican confirmed that the cancer was localized and that no further treatment is necessary, emphasizing the early detection and effective surgical intervention.