Pope Leo XIV Begins Walking After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV, 71, has begun walking within his hospital room and has resumed normal eating following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced. The pontiff is recovering on schedule, and pathology results confirmed the expected cancer diagnosis.

The operation, to remove what was described as a cancerous tumor in the lower right lobe, was performed by a specialist surgical team. Recovery from such procedures typically takes several weeks, though the pope's progression to walking and eating normally within a short period is considered a positive sign.

Leo XIV, who assumed the papacy following his election earlier this year, has faced health challenges that have drawn global attention to his condition. The Vatican has been providing regular updates, reassuring the faithful that the pontiff's condition is stable and improving.