Pope concelebrates Mass one day after lung surgery

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists that the Pope concelebrated Mass on Wednesday afternoon (Rome time) in a room specially prepared for the purpose on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital.

The surgery was performed on October 13 by Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, the chief of thoracic surgery at the Gemelli Hospital, along with a medical team.

On October 14, Dr Carbone and Professor Margaritora said, “The Holy Father has undergone respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking around his room. He has resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch. His recovery is proceeding as expected.”

On his third day in the hospital, the Pope’s doctors said his chest X-ray in the morning showed “good recovery of the lung that underwent surgery”. Pope Leo carried out his daily activities independently and his physiotherapy session included a full range of physical activities. As part of his resumption of work, the Pope met with the Substitute for General Affairs, Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, on October 15, the Holy See Press Office stated.

Tests after the operation confirmed the diagnosis of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer, starting in glandular cells in the lining of the lungs, and is the form of lung cancer that young people and people who have never smoked are most likely to develop, The Tablet reported.

The Vatican said doctors were not currently speaking of chemotherapy or other therapies. The Vatican press office noted the medical statement spoke of the “radical” removal of the part of the lung as an indication that doctors removed all suspect tissue in hopes of removing any lingering traces of the cancer, the Associated Press reported.

The Popeʼs clinical progress will determine the course of his treatment over the coming weeks, EWTN News reported. Doctors will continue to monitor his postoperative recovery closely before making decisions about the next stages of treatment and his schedule in the coming days.

For now, all his scheduled engagements remain cancelled through to next Tuesday, October 20.

Specialists believe that the loss of a lung lobe should not have significant consequences for the daily life of a patient in Pope Leoʼs physical condition.

Speaking to reporters on October 14, Mr Bruni referred to the Popeʼs “desire” to proceed with his South America trip scheduled for early November.

FULL STORY

Pope Leo’s postoperative recovery progressing well (Vatican News)

Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after operation (The Tablet)

Surgery confirms Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer (1 News/Associated Press)

Vatican reaffirms intention of Pope Leo XIV to travel to Latin America (EWTN News)

Pope Leo’s postoperative recovery ‘progressing normally’ – Vatican News (Vatican News)