Pope Leo needs no further treatment after cancer surgery, doctors say
Pope Leo XIV, 71, will not require further treatment for lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on October 13. Doctors confirmed the cancer had not spread following the procedure, and an oncological evaluation indicated no additional therapy is necessary. The pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, which was discovered incidentally during an unrelated examination. Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday and has since resumed public appearances, including his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.