Pope Leo resumes work from the hospital as he awaits cancer treatment update

Pope Leo resumes work from the hospital as he awaits cancer treatment update He also celebrated Mass with other priests in a special chapel set up for him near his room on the 10th floor of the hospital - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Pope Leo XIV has resumed work from the hospital while doctors wait for test results that will determine the next step in his cancer treatment. The 71-year-old pontiff's lung has recovered well following surgery to remove a cancerous nodule, his doctors and the Vatican say. Leo's post-operative tests remained within normal levels, according to his personal doctor, Dr Luigi Carbone, and Dr Stefano Margaritora, the head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli hospital. His physiotherapy session on Thursday involved full mobility exercises, and the pope went about his daily activities independently, the update said. “The chest X-ray revealed good recovery of the operated lung,” they reported. “Overall, his postoperative recovery is proceeding as expected.” The Vatican separately said Leo had resumed working from the hospital and was looking at documents. For a second day, he celebrated Mass with other priests in a special chapel set up for him near his room on the 10th floor of the hospital. Doctors removed the lower right lobe of Leo's right lung on Tuesday after identifying a suspected cancerous nodule. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Tests are still pending that will show the precise molecular makeup of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the lobe and whether any further treatment is necessary. Spokesman Matteo Bruni was asked whether any changes were expected to Leo's planned trip to South America from Nov. 6-17. He pointed to Leo's words on Sunday, when the pope announced the discovery of the nodule and his impending surgery. “Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I will make to Peru,” Leo said on Sunday in Spanish, in a greeting delivered to a Peruvian group. The trip is also scheduled to include stops in Uruguay and Argentina. Leo is expected to remain hospitalized until at least Oct. 20. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments