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Pontiff Declared Cancer-Free Following Lung Surgery

Medical teams have cleared Pope Leo for discharge after successfully removing the lower lobe of his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff requires no additional oncological intervention at this stage, doctors confirmed.

LSN World News · 22 October 2026

Pontiff Declared Cancer-Free Following Lung Surgery

Physicians treating Pope Leo have declared the Catholic Church leader fit to leave hospital care following surgical removal of cancerous lung tissue, marking a significant milestone in his treatment trajectory.

The pontiff, aged 71, underwent a procedure to extract the lower lobe of his right lung in what medical authorities have characterized as a successful intervention. Post-operative assessments indicate the excision was complete, with no residual disease detected requiring immediate further treatment.

The decision to discharge the Vatican head signals medical confidence in his recovery prospects. Healthcare providers indicated that ongoing monitoring protocols remain in place, though active cancer therapy is not currently deemed necessary.

The announcement comes as the global Catholic community follows developments surrounding the health of its spiritual leader. Pope Leo's return to pastoral duties will depend on his rate of physical recovery and medical clearance in the coming weeks.