Pope Leo XIV returns to duties following surgery to remove part of his lung The 71-year-old pontiff underwent an operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 13th October, during which surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. Tests carried out during the procedure confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that develops in glandular cells. The growth had been detected during medical examinations before the operation. A statement released by the Vatican on 21st October said that final laboratory and molecular tests confirmed the cancer was localised. Following an oncological assessment, doctors concluded that ‘no further treatment is necessary’. The operation was successful and without complications, and the Pope was discharged from hospital on 17th October, four days after surgery. The Pope returned to public duties shortly afterwards, leading the Angelus in St Peter’s Square on 18th October and presiding over his weekly general audience three days later....