Pope Leo XIV’s Recovery and Upcoming Activities After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV stated on Sunday that he has surpassed a critical stage in his recovery from lung cancer surgery and intends to gradually resume his duties. Days earlier, surgeons removed part of his right lung.

He expressed gratitude by saying, “I would like to thank all those who have prayed for me in recent days,” in a statement on X. “I wish to express my particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and all the staff of the Gemelli Hospital.”

The Pope added, “This experience has made me feel particularly close to all those who are living with illness or infirmity. Now that I have overcome this delicate phase, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers.”

These remarks were made during his Sunday appearance at the Vatican, following his discharge from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The 71-year-old pontiff left the hospital on Saturday after a four-day stay.

The surgery confirmed that Pope Leo has lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, as announced by the Vatican last week. This diagnosis comes about 17 months into his papacy, which began in May 2025 when he became the first American pope.

Statements from the Vatican

During his hospitalization, the Vatican reported that Pope Leo’s recovery was proceeding as expected. Blood tests and a chest X-ray post-surgery showed positive recovery signs. While hospitalized, he began walking, resumed his regular diet, and celebrated Mass.

His return to the Apostolic Palace window on Sunday was a significant public indication of his recovery progress.

Support from the White House

President Donald Trump conveyed his well-wishes after learning about the pope’s diagnosis. “I want to see Pope Leo get well,” Trump stated before departing Arizona on Thursday. He mentioned the positive prognosis, saying, “We just want to wish him our love and our best wishes.”

There has been public friction between Trump and Leo over disagreements on issues such as the Iran conflict and immigration. Nonetheless, Trump insisted there was no conflict, referring to Leo’s brother Louis Prevost, a registered Republican. “His brother and his wife—they are big Trump supporters. I can say that his brother loves him a lot, loves the pope a lot,” Trump remarked. “And that’s good enough for me. But I just want to wish him well. Get better fast.”

Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, also voiced his support for Leo following his diagnosis. “Our family continues to pray for the good health and full recovery of Pope Leo XIV,” Vance wrote on X, mentioning the support of millions of American Christians.

Vance extended well-wishes to Prevost, who is battling multiple myeloma. “We also want to send our best wishes to a true American original and great guy, Lou Prevost, who is also facing his own health challenges,” Vance added. “May God keep both of these brothers healthy for years to come.”

Upcoming Plans

Pope Leo’s next significant engagement is a trip to South America from November 6 to 17, visiting Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. The trip involves multiple flights and helicopter rides at high altitudes. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, assured Vatican News that “there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place.”

Uncertainty remains about whether the cancer has spread, as the tumor’s test results are pending. Potential treatment options include chemotherapy, a combination of therapies, or targeted oral therapy, contingent on the tumor’s genetic analysis.