LAST UPDATE | 1 hr ago

POPE LEO XIV is walking and eating “normally” after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung.

An update given by Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said results from his blood tests and x-rays post-surgery are also at expected levels.

“The results confirm that his postoperative recovery is progressing normally: the values are within the expected range for the type of operation performed,” they said.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora have provided the following update on the Pope’s postoperative recovery: This morning, the Holy Father underwent the blood tests and chest X-ray scheduled after surgery. The results confirm that his postoperative recovery is progressing normally: the values are within the expected range for the type of operation performed. The Holy Father has undergone respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking around his room. He has resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch. His recovery is proceeding as expected.

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 14, 2026

Leo spent a calm night in Gemelli hospital in Rome after the 90-minute operation, the Vatican said this morning.

They said the 71-year-old’s recovery is expected to take around a week. All the pope’s audiences have been cancelled until 20 October.

“To ensure the procedure was radical, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed,” the Vatican said on Tuesday, adding that the operation “confirmed the diagnosis of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the pre-operative tests”.

“The surgery was successful and there were no complications,” the statement said.

Pope Leo arrives at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Tuesday Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The pontiff had walked into the hospital through the main entrance earlier in the day and waved to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to greet him.

Leo is staying in a room on the 10th floor of the building, next to a papal suite with a private chapel that is currently under renovation.

Professor Federico Venuta, head of Thoracic Surgery at the Policlinico Umberto 1 hospital in Rome, told AFP Wednesday he expected Leo to be up and about immediately.

“Generally, on the first day, patients undergoing this type of procedure are mobilized immediately,” he said.

“They have a follow-up X-ray, resume eating with a light breakfast, and then start physical therapy right away. The sooner they get out of bed, the better,” he added.

‘Long live the pope!’

In the hospital chapel, dozens of faithful prayed for the pope’s health during the operation.

“Long live the pope!” read a banner outside the hospital.

“I already know he’s on the mend and the hospital is doing everything it can to help him get better, so let’s hope he recovers soon,” student Chiara Ruvolo told AFP outside Gemelli.

World leaders have been wishing Pope Leo well following the news of his surgery and diagnosis. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was happy to learn that the surgery was successful.

“Wishing him a full and speedy recovery as well as continued good health,” Modi said in a social media post. 

UN Secretary General António Guterres also wished him a speedy recovery, saying his thoughts and prayers were with the pope and the Catholic community. 

Edgars Rinkēvičs, the prime minister of Latvia, said he was “wishing strength and a full recovery for His Holiness”. 

Lithuania’s prime minister, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, said “Lithuanians join Catholics and people of goodwill around the world in standing with him during this difficult time, united in hope, solidarity, and prayer”.

With reporting from AFP