Pope Leo XIV has been declared cancer-free following surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung, with his medical team confirming that he will not require further treatment.

The Vatican pontiff’s test results confirmed that the cancer was localized, according to a statement by his physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora.

“A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required,” the doctors said.

The Pope’s cancer diagnosis was announced last week after he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule. Medical examinations subsequently identified the condition as lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.

During the approximately 90-minute procedure, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in a bid to address the condition.

The 71-year-old pontiff was discharged from the hospital over the weekend, four days after the operation. He briefly stopped to greet well-wishers as he left the hospital grounds.

Since his discharge, Pope Leo XIV has continued his recovery at the Vatican, where he held his first weekly general audience since leaving the hospital on Wednesday at St Peter’s Square.

The Pope waved to thousands of faithful gathered in the square from the popemobile and blessed children lifted towards him by members of the crowd, marking his return to one of his regular public engagements.

Despite his recent health challenge, the pontiff is expected to travel to South America in early November, according to the Vatican.

His medical team’s confirmation that no further cancer treatment is required offers a positive outlook for his recovery, although he is expected to continue recuperating as he gradually resumes his public duties.