Pope Leo has the lower lobe of his right lung removed and resumes work from hospital two days later
Al Jazeera reported on 14 October that Pope Leo XIV was recovering well after surgery on Tuesday 13 October to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors found a suspected cancerous nodule, and the surgery confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Al Jazeera reported on 15 October that he resumed work from Rome's Gemelli Hospital by meeting the Vatican's chief of staff, Archbishop Paolo Rudelli. Several United States television stations carried a report that doctors said his post-operative tests were normal and that he was walking and doing physiotherapy.
A pope's health sets the pace of the Vatican, including appointments and travel, so the extent of the cancer matters well beyond the hospital. Doctors have said the cancer's molecular makeup, any spread and the need for more treatment are unknown, which is why follow-up tests matter.
If you are Catholic or follow Vatican news, expect statements from the Holy See Press Office rather than from the hospital.
Vatican officials and doctors present the recovery as proceeding as expected, pointing to normal tests, walking and a return to meetings within two days.
Reports note that the key questions remain open: whether the cancer has spread beyond the lobe and what further treatment is needed, so full recovery cannot yet be assumed.
Confirmed: the date and nature of the surgery, the diagnosis and the return to meetings. Not confirmed here: the hospital discharge reported by some Australian outlets. Watch for the molecular results and the Vatican's first public appearance.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 15 · Morning · MON., OCT. 19, 2026