Pope Leo XIV Recovering After Successful Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV is recovering after undergoing surgery on October 13 to remove a growth from his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff first announced the procedure during his Sunday blessing, explaining that doctors had discovered a small, localized nodule during routine examinations.
The Vatican confirmed that the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital was successful. Doctors identified the growth as lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, and removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
Discharged on October 18, Pope Leo thanked supporters for their prayers and announced plans to gradually resume his duties. His upcoming November visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru remains uncertain as he continues recovering.
The health news follows his recent statements opposing the death penalty. Pope Leo emphasized that capital punishment violates human dignity and argued that justice and public safety can be achieved without taking human life.
