Pope Leo XIV Declared Free Of Cancer After Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been declared cancer-free and will not require further medical treatment following a successful lung cancer surgery.

His physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, confirmed in a joint statement that test results showed the cancer was localized and fully addressed during the procedure.

“A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required,” the doctors stated.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. He was discharged over the weekend, four days after the surgery, stopping to greet well-wishers as he departed.

On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Pope Leo XIV hosted his first weekly general audience at St. Peter’s Square since leaving the hospital. Waving to crowds from the popemobile and blessing children, he demonstrated steady progress in his recovery at the Vatican.

The Vatican confirmed that the pope is expected to proceed with his planned trip to South America in early November.