VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo’s recovery from surgery is progressing as expected and he has begun walking in his hospital room and eating normally, the Vatican said on Wednesday, after doctors announced the 71-year-old pontiff was being treated for lung cancer.

World leaders, Catholics across the globe and senior cardinals at the Vatican have offered prayers for Leo after he had part of his right lung removed in an operation on Tuesday. Blood tests and a chest X-ray carried out on Wednesday showed normal post-operative results, the Vatican said, adding that the pontiff had undergone respiratory physiotherapy.

The cancer diagnosis for a pope known to be relatively young and energetic and who was elected only in May 2025 caused shock and raised questions about the future shape of his papacy as he deals with the illness. Leo normally follows a very busy schedule. He is due to make a tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov 6 to 17 and the Vatican press office said on Wednesday that “nothing has changed” regarding the planned trip.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2026