In brief
After a 90‑minute operation that removed a cancerous lung nodule, Vatican doctors confirmed no further treatment is needed for Pope Leo XIV. The 71‑year‑old will resume his public duties, delivering a Mass from the hospital and speaking to world leaders about conflict. He is also preparing for a Latin America tour early next month.
Vatican officials announced that Pope Leo XIV no longer requires additional treatment after a successful operation to remove a lung tumour. The 71‑year‑old was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday and has returned to St Peter’s Square for his first weekly audience since the procedure.
The operation – lasting roughly 90 minutes – involved taking out the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung. Histology confirmed a localized lung adenocarcinoma, but oncologists have declared the disease fully excised with no need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
While recovering, the Pope celebrated Mass in the hospital’s makeshift chapel, wearing green vestments. He has reached out to world leaders, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a ceasefire in the besieged Ukrainian town of Oleshky and urging the delivery of food aid, as well as speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Those close to the pontiff noted he is eager to keep his planned early‑November Latin America tour on schedule, emphasising the importance of travel and outreach amidst the continuing conflict in Ukraine.
For a deeper experience, the WorldVoice network offers an AR/VR portal that places viewers in the heart of St Peter’s Square, allowing real‑time immersion into the Pope’s speeches and the unfolding global messages of peace.
