Pope Leo XIV back on his feet after lung surgery, doctors say

International

WALKING again and back to a normal diet, Pope Leo XIV is showing expected signs of recovery after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, his doctors said.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the approximately 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. The Vatican said the procedure was successful and completed without complications.

Blood tests and an X-ray conducted early Wednesday showed that his recovery was proceeding normally. Leo has also undergone respiratory physiotherapy and is expected to remain in hospital for about a week.

The surgery involved removing the entire lower lobe of his right lung. After the operation, the Pope regained consciousness normally, returned to his room following a brief observation period and spent a peaceful night, the Vatican said.

Leo announced his planned hospital admission during his weekly Sunday prayers in St Peter’s Square, saying doctors had found a “well-contained” lung nodule at an early stage and recommended its removal.

Further examinations confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, as suspected in pre-operative tests. A Vatican source told AFP that additional tests had been conducted to determine whether the cancer had spread.

The Vatican said the Pope, generally considered to be in good health, had shown no symptoms of infection or illness.

The diagnosis has drawn concern from Catholics worldwide, including those who remember the health struggles of Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who died last year. Francis had part of his lung removed when he was young and later suffered several respiratory infections.

The outlook for lung cancer depends on factors including the stage at diagnosis and the patient’s overall health. Early detection generally improves treatment prospects, while advances in medicine have expanded available treatment options.

Lung adenocarcinoma can be detected before symptoms appear, sometimes during routine examinations. More advanced lung cancer may cause persistent coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss.(MyTVCebu)