Pope Leo XIV will not require further cancer treatment, doctors confirm

Pope Leo XIV will not require additional treatment for lung cancer, the Holy See Press Office announced Oct. 21.

An oncological assessment confirmed that “no further treatment is necessary,” said his doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora. They confirmed that the tumor removed Oct. 13 was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized.

As Zeale News previously reported, Pope Leo underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital Oct. 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, two days after announcing during his Sunday Angelus address that doctors had discovered a small nodule on his lung.

Pope Leo began walking and eating normally the day after surgery and concelebrated Mass that afternoon. By Oct. 15, he had also returned to work, meeting with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, the Vatican’s substitute for general affairs, at the hospital.

News of his illness drew prayers from the faithful around the world. At Fatima, Portugal, pilgrims prayed the Rosary for his health the evening before his surgery. 

CatholicVote’s Zeale Media launched a novena Oct. 13, drawing more than 2,500 pledges to pray for the Pope by the following day.

Students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy in Chicago also prepared cards and a blanket for a care package, as Zeale News previously reported. Some had met Pope Leo during a school trip to the Vatican the previous year.

“It feels nice to wish him well because he's like a close friend and I was really sad when I heard when he was sick,” sixth-grader Ines Martins said.

Pope Leo left the hospital Oct. 17 and appeared at the Apostolic Palace window for the Angelus the next day, as Zeale News previously reported. He thanked his medical team and those who had prayed for him, saying, “This experience has made me feel particularly close to all those who are living with illness or infirmity."

“I have truly sensed your support,” he told the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He said he would gradually resume his activities with God’s help and their continued prayers.

At his Oct. 21 general audience, his first since surgery, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the faithful’s prayers during his recovery.

He said, “Thank you for the support of your prayers. Thanks be to God for His generosity. Let us all renew our trust in God’s goodness and mercy.”