Edward Marchesi Pope Leo XIV returned to the center of media attention following surgery at the Gemelli Polyclinic . On October 13, he underwent surgery to remove a lung adenocarcinoma located in his right lung. In the following days, the Vatican health authority released a series of updates to reassure the faithful about the smooth progress of his recovery, emphasizing the absence of complications and the rapid recovery of daily functions.
Surgery and diagnosis at the Gemelli Polyclinic
The decision to operate was made after the tumor was identified through radiological tests and a thorough clinical evaluation. The surgical team, led by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, performed a resection of the affected lobe, limiting the procedure to the minimum necessary to ensure complete removal of the neoplastic tissue.
Histological results and oncological evaluation
Histological examinations of the removed sample confirmed the adenocarcinoma and, more importantly, its location exclusively in the right lobe. Subsequent molecular biology analysis revealed no highly aggressive mutations, allowing the oncology committee to rule out the need for additional therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Post-operative recovery: signs of good health
In the days following the surgery, the Pope underwent routine checks. A chest X-ray showed the operated lung had returned to normal, with no signs of infiltrates or pleural effusions. At the same time, the physiotherapy program included respiratory mobilization exercises, resulting in a complete motor recovery: the Pope independently performed daily activities, from dressing to walking in the hospital corridors.
Return to papal functions
Already on the third day of his hospitalization, the Pope participated in a Eucharistic celebration organized in a dedicated room on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Hospital. On that occasion, he also met with Monsignor Paolo Rudelli, Substitute of the Secretariat of State. That same morning, he ate breakfast independently, as reported by the Director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni. These small gestures confirmed the Pontiff's ability to quickly resume his responsibilities.
Prospects for the Angelus and the Future of the Pontificate
The most anticipated question concerns the possibility of celebrating the Angelus from the ward window. Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has stated that "if conditions permit, the Pope will be able to recite the Angelus from the Gemelli Hospital." At the same time, he added that the pontificate could be "remodeled" if adjustments to the calendar of activities were necessary. For now, however, optimism prevails: specialists continue to monitor the patient's clinical progress with periodic check-ups, leaving room for hope that Pope Leo XIV will soon return to full leadership of the Church.