Writer Clarence | by AfterPost | 17 October 26
Pope Leo XIV left Rome's Gemelli Hospital walking unaided on Saturday Oct 17, four days after successful lung-cancer surgery, with doctors saying the operation was completed without complications. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to the Vatican after blood tests and chest imaging confirmed he was fit for discharge, and is expected to lead Sunday Angelus prayers in St Peter's Square.
Pope left Gemelli at 3:30pm local, walked to black SUV, briefly spoke to well-wishers outside hospital entrance, greeted a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl Varvara, cancer survivor who gave him handmade papal doll. Said "I am better, thank you" when asked about health. Smiling, waving through open window en route back. Vatican gates 10 minutes later.
Surgery took place Tuesday Oct 13. Procedure: removal of lower lobe of right lung after doctors identified suspected cancerous nodule in routine check-up. Duration: 3 hours in OR, 90 minutes operation itself. Diagnosis confirmed: pulmonary adenocarcinoma, most common form of lung cancer. Team: Prof Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery Gemelli, and Prof Luigi Carbone.
Vatican statement: "Surgery was successful and there were no complications." Blood tests and chest X-ray Saturday showed steady improvement. Doctors say Pope able to carry out normal daily activities with full independence, resumed normal diet, walking, respiratory physiotherapy, celebrated mass in hospital chapel Oct 16. Vatican released first images Oct 16 showing him standing unaided.
What doctors still evaluating: size of tumor not disclosed, whether cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes. That determines prognosis and need for further treatment. So far doctors have not discussed chemotherapy. Margaritora told Vatican News: treat Leo as any patient, full recovery couple weeks, "fully recovered in another ten days or so." Said no clinical reason Nov 6-17 South America trip Uruguay, Argentina, Peru should not take place. Vatican said preparations going forward, released journalist accreditation list.
Context: Leo elected May 2025, age 71, relatively young energetic pontiff. Diagnosis shocked Vatican. First major health scare of 17-month papacy. King Charles, himself under cancer treatment, to write privately. Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Leo may need to adjust pace according to health. Cardinal Blase Cupich said shocked because Leo had downplayed as small well-contained growth on Sunday announcement before surgery.
What is lung adenocarcinoma:
Most common lung cancer, arises in glandular cells outer lung, often found incidentally. Treatment often lobectomy when caught early, radical removal to ensure clear margins. Prognosis depends on stage, node involvement.
What's next:
Oct 18 noon Angelus St Peter's Square, first public engagement since surgery. Vatican says work continues.
FAQ
Was Pope Leo lung cancer operation successful?
Yes. Doctors confirmed lower lobe removal successful, no complications, blood tests and imaging normal.How long was Pope Leo in hospital?
Admitted Tuesday Oct 13, discharged Saturday Oct 17, four days.Will Pope Leo continue as Pope?
Yes. Returns to Vatican, resumes duties. Nov trip still planned. May adjust schedule pace per health.What type of lung cancer does Pope Leo have?
Lung adenocarcinoma, most common type, confirmed after pathology of removed lobe.Is Pope Leo able to walk?
Yes, walked unaided to car, greeting well-wishers, doing daily activities independently.Also read this: https://afterpostint.com/post/h2-strong-covid-admissions-jump-41-in-england-as-stratus-spreads-strong-h2