Pope cleared of further treatment after lung cancer surgery — SkimNews
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- Pope Leo XIV underwent a 90-minute surgery on 13 October to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a cancerous nodule was detected at an early stage.
- Vatican doctors confirmed the removed tissue was a localized lung adenocarcinoma and stated that no further oncological treatment is necessary.
- Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Gemelli Hospital four days post-surgery and held his first public audience at St Peter's Square the following Wednesday.
- Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass from his hospital room days after surgery, appearing in green vestments at a makeshift altar, according to images released by the Vatican.
- Pope Leo XIV made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin after surgery, urging a ceasefire in the occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow food aid delivery.
- Pope Leo XIV also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reinforcing his call for dialogue and peace amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Pope Leo XIV has indicated he intends to proceed with a planned trip to Latin America in early November, according to close associates.
Why it matters: The Pope’s swift recovery and immediate return to diplomatic and public duties reduce concerns about leadership instability in the Vatican, while his direct engagement with Putin and Zelensky underscores the Holy See’s active role in global peace efforts despite his health event.
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