Pope Leo XIV Begins Walking After Lung Cancer Surgery as Doctors Report Encouraging Recovery

ROME, Italy — Pope Leo XIV has begun walking around his hospital room and resumed eating normally following surgery to remove part of his right lung, with doctors reporting that his early recovery is progressing as expected.

In a medical update released on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Vatican said blood tests and a chest X-ray showed normal postoperative progress, with results within the expected range for the procedure.

The 71-year-old pontiff also underwent respiratory physiotherapy as he began recovering at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital.

The update follows surgery on Tuesday, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications, according to the Vatican.

Surgery confirms lung cancer diagnosis

The operation confirmed that Pope Leo has lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. Doctors had suspected the diagnosis before surgery, and an examination of tissue taken during the procedure confirmed it.

The Vatican has not yet disclosed whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Further test results will help doctors determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

Although surgeons removed the affected lung lobe in an effort to eliminate the cancerous tissue, the available information does not establish that the Pope is cancer-free.

Public engagements cancelled as recovery continues

The Vatican has cancelled the Pope’s public engagements through October 20 as he recovers. He was expected to remain in hospital for approximately a week following his admission.

His planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru remains on the Vatican’s schedule, but his participation will depend on his recovery and medical advice. Peru’s president has suggested that the itinerary could be affected by the time needed for recuperation.

Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first US-born pope when he was elected in May 2025. Since his election, he has maintained a busy schedule of church services, audiences and international engagements.

For Catholics around the world, the latest medical bulletin offers encouraging news about his immediate recovery. However, the longer-term outlook remains uncertain until doctors have assessed whether the cancer has spread and whether further treatment is required.

For now, the Vatican’s message is clear: the Pope is walking, eating normally and recovering as expected after surgery, but his medical assessment is continuing.

Source BBC NEWS