Pope Leo walking and eating after lung cancer surgery, doctors say
Doctors say Pope Leo has begun walking and resumed eating after lung surgery in Rome. Further test results and treatment decisions are pending.
Pope Leo has begun walking and resumed eating at Rome's Gemelli hospital after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, his doctors reported on Wednesday, 14 October. Initial tests showed an expected recovery, while further results are pending before doctors decide whether he needs additional treatment.
What Pope Leo's doctors reported on 14 October
The 71-year-old pope was walking in his room, eating his regular diet and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy, according to the medical update. His doctors said he had eaten both breakfast and lunch and that his recovery was proceeding as planned. The update identifies his personal physician as Luigi Carbone and his thoracic surgeon as Stefano Margaritora.
The doctors said initial blood tests and a chest X-ray showed a normal recovery after the operation. Those findings describe his immediate recovery from surgery; further tests were still pending, according to the Vatican update reported by the Associated Press.
Surgery and pending cancer results
The Vatican previously said tests had confirmed lung adenocarcinoma and that surgeons removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo's right lung. It said the operation lasted about 90 minutes, was successful and had no complications. Wednesday's report on his walking, diet and initial tests is a subsequent update to the earlier diagnosis and operation.
Doctors had not yet established whether the cancer had spread or whether additional treatment would be needed, the AP reported. They had not decided on a course of treatment. The pending results therefore matter to decisions about his care even as the Vatican reports that his recovery from the operation is proceeding normally.
Cancelled audiences and the planned South America trip
The Vatican has cancelled Pope Leo's audiences through 20 October while he recovers. Al Jazeera reported that he was expected to remain at Gemelli hospital in Rome for about a week. The cancellations affect his scheduled public engagements during that period, but the supplied Vatican update sets out no further change to his schedule.
No decision had been announced on whether Pope Leo would make his planned trip to South America in November, according to the AP report. Experts cited by AP said oncology surgeons often advise patients against flying for three weeks after surgery. That general guidance does not establish whether the pope will be fit to travel or whether the trip will proceed.
Sources and context
- Pope Leo is eating and recovering after cancer surgery, doctors sayPBS NewsHour / Associated Press
- Pope Leo recovering well after cancer surgery, Vatican saysAl Jazeera / AFP and AP
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