Pope Leo XIV has returned to work while still in hospital in Rome, as the head of the Roman Catholic Church recovers from an operation to remove a cancerous nodule. The Vatican said on Thursday that he met Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, its chief of staff, at Gemelli hospital, where the pope is being treated.
Rudelli oversees much of the Holy See’s day-to-day administration, making the meeting a sign of the pope’s continuing involvement in Church business.
Doctors report steady recovery after lung operation
Leo’s personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and Dr Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli, said his post-operative tests stayed within normal levels. His physiotherapy on Thursday included full mobility exercises. Doctors added that Leo is managing his daily activities on his own.
Describing the scan results, the doctors said the chest X-ray showed “good recovery of the operated lung.” They described his overall progress as on track.
Pope celebrates Mass in hospital chapel
Spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope celebrated Mass with other priests for a second consecutive day. The service took place in a special chapel set up near his room on the 10th floor of the hospital.
Lung removed as cancer tests continue
The 71-year-old had part of his right lung removed during a lengthy operation on Tuesday, after doctors found a suspected cancerous nodule. The surgery confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Doctors are still waiting for results that will show the cancer’s precise molecular makeup, whether it has spread beyond the affected lobe, and whether further treatment is needed.
Uncertainty over planned South America trip
Leo drew a following of almost one million people to a Mass in Paris during a four-day visit to France last month, shortly before announcing his surgery. It remains unclear whether he will travel to South America next month.
Asked whether his trip from November 6 to 17 would change, Bruni pointed to remarks Leo made on Sunday, when he announced the nodule and the upcoming surgery. In Spanish, Leo said: “Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I will make to Peru.” The trip is also scheduled to include Uruguay and Argentina.
Leo is expected to remain in hospital until at least next Tuesday.
