Pope Leo XIV's recovery from surgery to remove a lower lobe of his lung is progressing as anticipated, according to his doctors. The 71-year-old pontiff has begun walking and is back on a normal diet following the approximately 90-minute procedure.
The Pope was diagnosed with lung cancer, specifically adenocarcinoma, after the surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. The Vatican stated the operation was successful and without complications, with the entire lower lobe of his right lung removed.
Blood tests and an X-ray on Wednesday morning indicated his recovery was proceeding normally, and he has also undergone respiratory physiotherapy. The Pope is expected to stay in hospital for around a week.