Pope Leo XIV has begun handling administrative responsibilities from Gemelli Hospital in Rome as he continues to recover from surgery to remove a cancerous nodule. During a meeting on Thursday at the medical facility, the Pope consulted with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, his chief of staff, to manage ongoing Vatican business. The top aide handles much of the day-to-day administrative work of the Holy See.
Medical professionals, including the Pope’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgery specialist Dr. Stefano Margaritora, provided a positive update on his progress. They reported that post-operative test results remain within normal parameters. During a physiotherapy session on Thursday, the 71-year-old leader demonstrated full mobility and is currently managing his daily activities independently.
The medical team noted that follow-up diagnostic imaging showed a favorable recovery of the operated lung, with doctors stating that overall healing is proceeding as expected. Following a complex procedure last Tuesday to remove part of his right lung, subsequent analysis confirmed an adenocarcinoma diagnosis, the most frequent form of lung cancer. Specialists are currently analyzing the molecular characteristics of the tissue to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the lobe and whether further medical intervention will be required.
In the meantime, the Pope continues to maintain his religious commitments. For the second consecutive day, he celebrated Mass alongside other priests in a dedicated chapel located near his 10th-floor hospital suite, according to spokesperson Matteo Bruni.
The status of the Pope’s upcoming international travel remains a subject of public interest following his visit to France last month, where he addressed nearly one million attendees. While he is scheduled for a pastoral journey to Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina from November 6-17, officials have not confirmed any changes to the itinerary. When questioned regarding the trip, Bruni referred back to the Pope’s own remarks from Sunday, where he thanked believers for their prayers regarding his visit to Peru. Spokesman Bruni pointed to Leo’s words on Sunday when he announced the discovery of the nodule and impending surgery, asked if any changes to Leo’s planned trip from November 6-17 were expected. According to “Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I will make to Peru,” Leo, On Sunday in Spanish, in a greeting delivered to a Peruvian group.
The Pope is currently anticipated to remain under medical observation at the hospital until at least next Tuesday.
