Doctors say Pope Leo XIV needs no further cancer treatment after surgery

Doctors say Pope Leo XIV does not need any further cancer treatment after follow-up tests confirmed the disease was localized, the Vatican said Wednesday. The update marks a significant moment in the pope’s recovery after surgery earlier this month to remove part of his right lung.

The announcement affects not only the 89-year-old pontiff’s immediate medical outlook but also Vatican planning around his public schedule in the coming weeks. The Vatican said the results removed the need for additional therapy, easing concerns that he might require chemotherapy, radiation or another course of treatment.

The pope underwent surgery on Oct. 13 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after the Vatican said he had a cancerous lung nodule. He was discharged days later and returned to the Vatican, where doctors continued monitoring his recovery while awaiting final tissue and molecular testing.

Follow-up tests ruled out more therapy

According to the Vatican, the latest evaluation found that the cancer had not spread beyond the area that was removed. That finding is consistent with earlier medical updates indicating that the operation had gone well and that the pope was recovering steadily after the procedure.

The development is especially important because doctors had said the final test results would determine whether any additional treatment was needed. With those tests now complete, the Vatican says no further therapy is required, though the pope is still expected to remain under medical observation as he continues to recover.

Leo has continued some work during his recovery, and Vatican officials have kept public attention focused on both his health and his ability to maintain his duties. The latest update suggests that, at least for now, the pope’s treatment plan has been resolved without the need for more aggressive intervention.

The Vatican has not announced any new medical procedures or changes to the pope’s schedule beyond the reassurance that no additional cancer treatment is planned.