In brief
Doctors confirm that the Pope’s recovery after a 90‑minute operation to excise a lung lobe is progressing as expected. He has begun walking and is back to a normal diet, and respiratory physiotherapy has been started. The surgery, performed at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, was deemed successful with no complications. Blood tests and imaging on Wednesday showed normal recovery and no signs of disease spread. The Pope is expected to remain in the hospital for roughly a week as he continues to regain strength.
Recovery Update: The pontiff has started walking and has "resumed a normal diet" after the roughly 90‑minute procedure to remove a lower lobe of his lung, according to doctors.
The operation, carried out at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, was described by the Vatican as "successful" and free of complications. Blood tests and an X‑ray early Wednesday showed a normal recovery trajectory.
A lung‑adenocarcinoma nodule was removed to ensure an aggressive, radical approach. After the surgery the Pope woke normally, spent a quiet night in the hospital, and is now expected to stay for about a week to continue his recuperation.
The Pope had announced he would be admitted for the operation during his weekly Sunday prayers, noting the discovery of a "well‑contained" nodule that, upon examination, turned out to be malignant, consistent with pre‑operative tests.
While the papacy has not exhibited any symptoms of illness, the diagnosis has surprised many, recalling Pope Francis’s recent hospital visits and the previous removal of part of his lung during a youth illness.
