After lung cancer surgery, can Pope Leo make his South America trip?

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VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV is recovering after successful surgery for lung cancer, but the first major health challenge of his papacy raises questions about his future schedule while marking a new level of openness about papal health.

Leo, 71, underwent a video-assisted lobectomy on Tuesday afternoon at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where popes are usually treated. During the 90-minute operation, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung through small incisions using a camera. An examination of the tissue during surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.

Wednesday morning (Oct. 14), the pope underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray, which confirmed “a normal postoperative recovery,” according to a joint statement by Dr. Luigi Carbone, director of Vatican City’s health service, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the thoracic surgeon who led the operation.

“The values are within the expected range for the type of procedure performed,” the statement said. “His recovery is proceeding as expected.”

The statement added that the pope underwent respiratory physiotherapy and resumed walking…