Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming apostolic journey to Latin America remains on track after his chief surgeon confirmed there are no clinical reasons to cancel the November 6–17 visit. Speaking in an interview with Vatican News, Professor Stefano Margaritora—who operated on the Pontiff on October 13—stated that the Holy Father was discharged in entirely satisfactory condition, with normal blood tests and stable cardiac function.
The surgical procedure involved the routine removal of the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung due to an adenocarcinoma. The tumor was discovered entirely by accident during routine abdominal examinations that captured the lower portion of the lungs. Professor Margaritora emphasized that because early-stage lung cancer rarely shows symptoms, the Pontiff experienced no respiratory issues beforehand, highlighting the crucial importance of regular preventive checkups for at-risk individuals.
The Pontiff is currently recovering well as his lung continues its expected re-expansion. Praising Pope Leo XIV as an “ideal patient” whose strong motivation significantly aided his postoperative progress, Professor Margaritora estimates that full physical recovery will take about another ten days. With nearly three weeks remaining before the scheduled long-distance air travel, medical professionals see no clinical obstacle to the trip proceeding as planned.