Pope Leo XIV remains at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after surgery on October 13 to remove part of his right lung. The Vatican confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. His recovery leaves a planned November tour of South America uncertain.

Doctors report a normal recovery

The 71-year-old pope’s postoperative recovery is progressing normally, according to a Vatican medical update. Blood tests and a chest X-ray showed results within the expected range for the operation.

Leo has begun respiratory physiotherapy and walking in his room, and has resumed eating normally. He remains under observation while doctors carry out further tests on the removed tissue to guide treatment decisions.

Paolo Marchetti, an oncologist at Sapienza University of Rome, said tissue examination would take about five days. Genetic profiling of the tumor would take seven to ten days. He said the results would help determine whether nearby lymph nodes were affected.

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The cancer’s stage, possible lymph node involvement, further treatment needs and the pope’s discharge date remain unknown. All papal audiences have been canceled through October 20.

Outside specialists assess the outlook

Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist and American Lung Association board member, said using surgery first was an encouraging sign. He said it suggested doctors believed the cancer was at an early stage.

Marchetti said removal of the lower lung lobe raised questions about whether the nodule was very small. He considered chemotherapy unlikely. Targeted oral medicines could be an option if nearby lymph nodes were affected and genetic alterations were found, he said.

Jonathan Villena Vargas, a heart and chest surgeon at Weill Cornell Medical Center, described the operation as minimally invasive. He said most patients undergoing that type of surgery are allowed to travel after about two weeks.

November tour awaits medical approval

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said Leo still wanted to visit South America. The trip was not confirmed, however, and the final decision would depend on his doctors.

The announced itinerary runs from November 6 to 17 and covers ten cities in three countries. Uruguay is scheduled for November 6–8, with stops in Montevideo, Paysandú and Florida.

The Argentina stage is planned for November 8–11, covering Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján. The final stage, in Peru from November 11–17, includes Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco and Pucallpa.