Vatican News / Wojciech Rogacin – Vatican City
On the evening of October 21, 2026, the Holy See Press Office released a medical bulletin regarding the health status of Leo XIV following his surgery.
Medical team statement
Here is the text of the statement provided by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora:
“Today, the final results of the histopathological and molecular biology examinations of the tissue sample taken during the surgical procedure performed on the Holy Father were received. The results confirmed that it was lung adenocarcinoma, and the disease was localized in nature. A subsequent oncological consultation confirmed that the implementation of any additional treatment is not necessary.”
The Pope’s return to activities
Earlier, in an interview with Vatican News, Prof. Stefano Margaritora stated that there are no medical contraindications for Leo XIV to undertake the apostolic journey to South America scheduled for November.
On Wednesday, October 21, Leo XIV returned to his daily activities – meeting, among others, with the faithful at the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.
