Pope recuperates after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV was recovering in hospital on Wednesday after surgeons removed part of his right lung and tests confirmed the tumour was cancerous, raising uncertainty over the future of his papacy.

The 71-year-old underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome's Gemelli hospital on Tuesday and spent a "calm" night, the Vatican said. Further tests are expected to determine whether the cancer has spread, although the Vatican said it was detected early and remained localised.

"It's a shock for everyone. We're in 'wait-and-see' mode," a Vatican source told AFP. The first American pope, elected in May 2025, is expected to need about a week to recover. All his audiences have been cancelled until October 20.

The diagnosis has unsettled the Catholic Church, with experts questioning how the illness could affect Leo's active leadership and efforts to bridge divisions within the Church. His health has also cast doubt on a planned visit next month to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, where he spent two decades as a missionary.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished strength, comfort and speedy recovery of Pope Leo XIV in a social media poet. "My heartfelt prayers are with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV following his surgery. On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, I wish him strength, comfort and a speedy recovery," the prime minister wrote in a post on X.

He said Pakistan's Catholic community, and the entire nation, joined him in praying for His Holiness' good health. "His steadfast message of compassion, peace and human dignity resonates deeply with people across Pakistan and the world. We pray that he continues his invaluable service to humanity, with renewed strength and conviction," the prime minister added.Agencies