Pope Leo XIV Walking, Eating After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV walked around his hospital room, ate two meals, and even celebrated mass less than 24 hours after surgeons removed part of his right lung to treat cancer.

The 71-year-old leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics underwent surgery Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli hospital. Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora reported Wednesday that his blood tests and chest X-ray show "normal post-operative course" with values in the expected range.

The athletic pontiff, who became the first American pope only last year, surprised the world Sunday when he announced the need for surgery. Doctors discovered the cancerous nodule early and said it was localized, giving reason for optimism.

Leo's quick recovery impressed medical staff. He completed respiratory physiotherapy exercises and walked independently in his hospital suite on the 10th floor. He celebrated mass in a specially prepared room since the usual papal chapel is being refurbished.

Messages of support poured in from around the globe, including from Britain's King Charles III, who is also battling cancer. A banner outside the hospital declared "Long live the pope!" while faithful gathered to pray for his recovery.

The Chicago-born tennis player entered the hospital Tuesday smiling and waving to supporters. His recovery should take about a week, according to Vatican officials, with all audiences cancelled until October 20.

The Bright Side

Oncologist Alain Gelibter from Rome's Policlinico Umberto I hospital explained that if the cancer is stage I or II and recovery continues well, the pope could return to normal activities within weeks. The early detection and localized nature of the cancer significantly improve his prognosis.

The sporty pontiff's resilience has already shown through his rapid post-surgery progress. While awaiting biopsy results to determine if the cancer spread, his doctors report he's responding exactly as hoped for someone recovering from this type of lung surgery.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle stepped in to celebrate mass at St. Peter's Square Wednesday while Leo recovers. Questions remain about whether the pope will proceed with his planned November trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, where he once worked as a missionary for 20 years.

A pope who jogged into surgery Tuesday and celebrated mass the next morning reminds us that strength comes in many forms.