According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the operation took place on Tuesday afternoon as scheduled. The statement was issued by Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, who provided details of the procedure and the Pope’s condition afterwards.
The surgical team removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung. Tissue examined during the operation confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, which doctors had suspected based on tests conducted before the surgery.
The Pope reportedly spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes.
Doctors described the procedure as successful, reporting no complications during the operation.
Following the surgery, Pope Leo awoke normally and was monitored briefly before being transferred back to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor, according to the statement.
The announcement provided reassurance about the immediate outcome of the procedure, although further information about the Pope’s recovery, subsequent treatment and long-term prognosis was not included in the statement.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of lung cancer that develops in glandular cells, which produce substances such as mucus. Treatment and prognosis vary depending on factors including the stage of the cancer, whether it has spread and the patient’s overall health.
The removal of a lung lobe, known as a lobectomy, is a surgical procedure sometimes used to treat lung cancer when doctors determine that removing the affected section is appropriate.
The Pope’s recovery and any further treatment decisions will depend on his medical team’s assessment following the operation.
The Holy See Press Office’s statement did not provide a detailed timetable for his discharge from hospital or indicate when he might resume his regular public duties.
Further updates are expected to clarify his recovery progress and any additional medical care required.
