Doctors announced on Thursday that Pope Leo will not require any additional treatment following his recent lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure on 13 October, during which surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The diagnosis was lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Surgery Results and Recovery
Final histological examinations and molecular biology analyses of the removed tissue confirmed the diagnosis. According to a statement released by the Vatican, the disease remained localised and had not spread to other parts of the body. A subsequent oncological evaluation confirmed that no further therapy is required.
Stefano Margaritora, the pope’s lead surgeon, and Luigi Carbone, his personal physician, issued the joint statement. They noted that final tests showed the cancer was contained. The pope was discharged from the hospital on Saturday and has been gradually resuming his normal duties.
On Wednesday, Pope Leo returned to St Peter’s Square for his weekly audience with pilgrims. This appearance followed a previous address he gave to a crowd in the same square last Sunday, where he thanked those who had prayed for him. He stated that the experience made him feel especially close to all those going through illness or infirmity.
Uncertainty Over South America Trip
Despite the positive medical news, it remains unclear whether the pope will proceed with his planned trip to South America. The visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru is scheduled for 6-17 November. Margaritora stated last week that there were no clinical reasons preventing the travel. However, the Vatican’s secretary of state indicated that the pontiff may need to adjust the pace of his schedule to aid his recovery.
The pope had been working from the hospital during his treatment. He made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday, urging the Russian leader to call a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky. Before his diagnosis, Leo was generally believed to be in good health. He enjoys playing sports including tennis and often uses the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo, close to Rome.
Leo became the first US-born leader of the Roman Catholic church in May last year. His health has been a subject of global interest since his diagnosis was announced. The Vatican continues to monitor his recovery closely as he returns to public engagements.
Source: The Guardian
