Vatican Says Pope Leo to Undergo Blood Tests and X-Rays After Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV has begun walking again and resumed eating after chest surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, with blood tests and X-rays part of his recovery.
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Pope Leo XIV underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray on Wednesday after surgery to remove a small nodule on his lung, and his recovery is progressing as expected, the Vatican said.
The development came after the Holy See's press office said "the night passed peacefully for the Pope" at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
The 71-year-old pope underwent thoracic surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, and doctors confirmed he had lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, according to a statement released by the Holy See's press office.
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritura said: "This morning, the Holy Father underwent blood tests and a scheduled chest X-ray after surgery. "The results confirm that his post-operative recovery is progressing normally: values are within the expected range for the type of operation."
Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung cancer after surgeons removed part of his right lung, the Vatican says.
"The Holy Father has been doing respiratory physiotherapy and has started walking in his room. He is eating normally and has breakfast and lunch," their statement read. "His recovery is progressing as expected."
The Vatican said the pope's diagnosis was confirmed by a tissue examination performed during the procedure, consistent with the findings of preoperative tests.
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The Pope spent almost three hours in the operating room, although the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes.
The doctors said that the procedure was successful and there were no complications.
"The doctors found a small mass in the lung," Leo said after Angelus' speech in St. Peter's Square on Monday. It was identified in the early stages and placed in a good position."
He continued: "Doctors think it is advisable to intervene, and for this reason, according to their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it." The surgery is scheduled for the next few days, I thank you for your spiritual closeness and rely on your prayers.