Vatican: The surgery that the Pope underwent was successful... and he does not need additional treatment

The Vatican press office announced, in a statement, on Wednesday, that the surgery that Pope Leo XIV underwent last week to treat lung cancer was “a success,” and that “there is no need for any additional treatment.” Dr. Luigi Carbone and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, who supervised the Pope’s treatment, stated: “The final histological reports and molecular biology analyzes of the tissues removed during the surgery that His Holiness the Pope underwent were completed today.”

The statement added: “The results confirmed that the case was lung adenocarcinoma, and the disease was confined to its location. Subsequent evaluation also confirmed that there was no need for any additional treatment.”

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, representing about 40% of all cases. It is a type that develops slowly and often affects non-smokers. The Pope's announcement on October 11 that he needed surgery to remove a "nodule" in his lung caused shock inside and outside the Vatican, especially since the Pope is known for his healthy lifestyle.

After a short period he spent in a hospital in Rome - where doctors performed an operation to remove a lobe of his left lung - the Pope returned to his residence on October 17. The next day, the Pope appeared in public for the first time since his diagnosis, leading Sunday's Angelus prayer from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace. “This experience has given me a deep feeling of closeness to all those who experience illness or poor health," he told the crowds.

This confirmation of the Pope's recovery comes ahead of his scheduled trip to South America next month. News that the Pope had cancer raised questions about the plans for the trip, which is scheduled to include stops in Peru, Uruguay and Argentina, and requires at least 14 flights.

Although the Vatican has not officially confirmed the Pope's travel plans, Dr. Margaritora told Vatican News that he sees "no clinical reasons" to cancel the trip.