After procedure: Doctors: Pope's operated lung is recovering well

The Pope is recovering on schedule after the removal of a malignant tumor from his right lung. But important findings are still pending - they could decide on the next steps.

After the operation on the Pope's lungs, important findings are still pending. Photo: Alessandra Tarantino/AP/dpa

Rome. According to his doctors, Pope Leo XIV is continuing to recover as planned from lung surgery. The chest X-ray examination of the 71-year-old head of the Catholic Church showed “good recovery of the operated lung,” said his treating doctors at the Gemelli Clinic in Rome. Results from routine check-ups in the morning are therefore within the normal range.

A malignant tumor was removed from Leo's right lung in a lengthy operation on Tuesday. The doctors removed the lower lobe of the right lung. A lump previously found there turned out to be a so-called lung adenocarcinoma, a malignant tumor. According to experts, this is the most common form of lung cancer.

According to official information, the Pope will remain in the hospital until next week. Histological findings will show what further treatments will follow the procedure in the next few days. All of the Pope's official appointments until the middle of next week have been canceled. It is unclear whether Leo will actually be able to go on a planned two-week trip to Latin America at the beginning of November. The trip has not yet been canceled.