New updates arrive regarding the health of Pope Leo XIV; doctors reveal what lies ahead

Pope Leo XIV spent a peaceful night following lung cancer surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican reported. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and the procedure was completed without complications.

Although experts point out that the disease was detected at an early stage, it is not yet known whether the Holy Father will require additional treatment.

Surgery lasted 90 minutes

The 71-year-old Pope was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma—the most common form of lung cancer—after a growth was discovered in his right lung during a routine checkup.

The operation was performed on Tuesday and lasted about 90 minutes. The Pope’s surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, and his personal physician, Luigi Carbone, confirmed that the procedure went smoothly.

For the time being, the Vatican has not released the size of the tumor or information regarding the possible spread of the disease to the lymph nodes.

Doctors optimistic: Cancer detected at an early stage

The Pope previously stated that the abnormality in his lung was detected very early and was localized.

Experts emphasize that early detection and surgical removal of the tumor significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.

Oncologist David Carbone considers it encouraging that the Pope underwent surgery immediately, as this approach is most commonly applied to tumors in earlier stages.

Readings from additional pathology results will determine the final prognosis and indicate whether there is a need for chemotherapy or radiation.

Canceled commitments, South American tour in question

The Pope is expected to remain in the hospital for about a week, and all of his public activities until October 20 have been canceled.

His planned tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, scheduled from November 6 to 17, is also uncertain.

Messages of support and wishes for a speedy recovery are pouring in from all over the world. Among them are messages from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The Vatican has announced that it will release new information concerning the health status of the Holy Father later today.