Pope resumes work in hospital as he awaits test results on cancer treatment

Work and recovery continue

The Vatican said Leo had resumed work at Gemelli hospital and was reviewing documents. He also held Mass for a second day with other priests in a chapel established near his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.

His personal doctor, Dr Luigi Carbone, and Dr Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli, said his post-operative tests were within normal levels. On Thursday, Leo completed full mobility exercises and managed his daily activities independently, according to the update.

Doctors await treatment guidance

Surgeons removed the lower right lobe of Leo’s right lung on Tuesday after finding a suspected cancerous nodule. The operation confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer; doctors are awaiting test results to determine the next treatment step.

Before surgery, Leo had several tests, including a contrast CT scan, a PET scan and a robotic biopsy. The biopsy required general anesthesia during a separate hospital visit, which was confidential. The Vatican has not said when Leo learned doctors suspected a cancerous mass.

South America trip remains scheduled

Asked about Leo’s planned South America journey from Nov. 6 to 17, spokesman Matteo Bruni referred to the pope’s Sunday remarks about the nodule and upcoming operation. The itinerary is also expected to include Uruguay and Argentina.

Leo is expected to stay in hospital until at least Oct. 20. The account did not report a change to the trip schedule.

Lourdes pilgrimage in focus

During a Sept. 25–28 visit to France, Leo went to the shrine at Lourdes, where pilgrims drink spring water and pray for cures. The report said the visit took on added significance in light of the possibility that he already knew of his illness.

The following day, he celebrated Mass before 150,000 people, many of them infirm, and spoke against laws permitting assisted dying. He approached people in wheelchairs, then joined a nighttime procession carrying a torch among sick pilgrims.

On his return flight, Leo described seeing “almost miracles” in Lourdes, saying the presence of God touched people’s hearts and transformed lives. The report said he did not explicitly include himself among the sick.