Pope Leo XIV Seen for First Time Since Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been seen in public for the first time since undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, a procedure that confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer. The Vatican released photographs on Friday showing the 71-year-old pontiff standing at an altar in green vestments, celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The pope distributed communion during the service, which was attended by members of the hospital's medical and nursing staff as well as members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps. According to a Holy See Press Office statement, the pope used his homily to thank the staff — doctors, nurses and orderlies — for the care they provide every day to patients in their frailty, and especially for what they have done and continue to do for him.

The surgery, performed Tuesday, involved the removal of the lower lobe of the pope's right lung. Examination of the tissue confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The Vatican has described the procedure as successful, and on Friday confirmed that the pope's recovery is continuing with a steady improvement in his overall condition.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the pope's post-operative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities entirely independently. Pope Leo has spent four days recovering at Gemelli Hospital following the operation.

The pope plans to make his first public appearance since the procedure on Sunday during the noon Angelus, which he normally leads. His anticipated trip to South America in November is reportedly still on schedule, though his participation remains in question based on his recovery.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said the pope's procedure included a small incision using video-assisted thoracoscopy, which involves less pain and a quicker recovery. Siegel, who has not treated the pope, noted that the pontiff was in good health to begin with and is highly active, which plays a major role in recovery.

«Since he wasn't a smoker and likely had very good underlying lung function, loss of a lobe, when there are three total on the right, shouldn't have a major impact on daily activity, especially with pain controlled,» Siegel said.

In a separate interview, Lary Robinson, an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, expressed surprise at the pope's health status. About 80% of lung cancers occur in people who smoke or have smoked, Robinson said, though lung cancer also occurs among never-smokers, including an estimated 10% of male patients and 25% of female patients.

Robinson, who has not treated the pope, said the fact that the pope underwent a lobectomy suggests the disease was localized. «But he had surgery and had a lobectomy, so this is usually only done with people who have localized disease, and presumably he had localized disease. And hopefully that's a Stage 1 cancer,» Robinson said.

If the cancer is Stage 1, there is a high chance of cure — about 90% — depending on the size of the tumor, the oncologist said. The fact that the pope went straight to surgery suggests there was likely no evidence that the cancer had spread. Robinson added that further pathology results will determine whether the pope needs any additional treatment afterward.

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Delaney Sawyer

Society Reporter

Delaney Sawyer covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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