Carolina Bellocq
It was initially reported that Pope Leo XIV would remain in the hospital for a week after undergoing surgery for a lung nodule.
However, he was discharged four days later. What does this change in the timeline reveal about the pope’s health?
DR. BRUNO VINCENZI, Head of the Day Oncology Center, University Campus Bio-Medico
This means that the Holy Father handled the surgery very well, and that the procedure went off without any specific complications—which, incidentally, is… quite plausible, considering that the Holy Father is in excellent overall health and, according to news reports, is also quite athletic.
During the Angelus prayer delivered the day after he was discharged from the hospital, Pope Leo XIV indicated that he would gradually resume his activities. And this is precisely what specialists recommend.
DR. BRUNO VINCENZI, Head of the Day Oncology Center, University Campus Bio-Medico
In general, it’s a lifestyle that’s as healthy as possible, a little rest at home. Of course, you’ll need to follow the medication schedule, but this type of procedure allows for a quick return to normal daily activities.
We are now awaiting the results of the postoperative tests. In particular, the doctors will analyze the histological and molecular tests, which will help determine the next steps.
One possibility is that no treatment will be needed. Another possibility is that he will need to undergo a combination of chemotherapy, biologic drugs, or radiation therapy.
DR. BRUNO VINCENZI, Head of the Day Oncology Center, University Campus Bio-Medico
But generally speaking, I believe his recovery will be very quick. In this regard, I think that any changes to his schedule will depend largely on what the course of treatment might be after surgery, assuming it is necessary, since the information we have indicates a localized condition, so we cannot rule out the possibility that the surgery itself may have already served as the sole treatment for an early-stage condition.
With the results and possible treatment options on the table, the Vatican will have more information to help determine how Pope Leo XIV’s postoperative care and schedule will proceed.
