Pope resumes papal duties as he recovers after lung surgery, Vatican reports

Duties resume during recovery

The Vatican said Thursday that Leo had resumed some of his responsibilities while continuing to recover in hospital. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital one week earlier and is due to be released on Oct. 20.

The pope underwent surgery to remove a portion of his right lung. The Vatican announced on Tuesday that he had received a lung cancer diagnosis.

Doctors report expected progress

Leo had routine examinations on Thursday, including a chest X-ray, according to his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora. Margaritora led the operation. In a statement, the doctors said the X-ray indicated “good recovery of the operated lung.” They also said Leo’s recovery after surgery was progressing as expected.

Vatican gives limited details

The Vatican has not released further information about the cancer, including its stage or genetic makeup. The available update focused on Leo’s recovery and his return to some duties.

Candida Moss, a theology professor at the University of Birmingham, told CBS News on Wednesday that popes commonly keep to their schedules despite health problems. She said Vatican protocols allow cardinals and an aide to take on as many responsibilities as possible.

Popes and public responsibilities

Moss pointed to Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II as examples of pontiffs who remained active during health challenges. She said John Paul II had Parkinson’s disease for 10 years. Moss said popes have continued participating in Catholic liturgies and staying active for as long as they could during their tenures.