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Surgeon Says Pope Leo XIV Medically Fit for Upcoming South America Trip
By Drooid · · How we work
Medical Evaluation of Pope Leo XIV
Professor Stefano Margaritora, the surgeon who performed Pope Leo XIV’s recent lung operation, told Vatican media that the pontiff shows no clinical impediment to a long-distance apostolic journey slated for roughly three weeks from now.
Discovery of the Lung Tumor
The surgeon explained that the papal lung tumor was detected incidentally during routine abdominal imaging, which often captures the lower lung fields. He noted, “During routine abdominal examinations, this small spot was found in the chest, at the base of the lung.” Margaritora added that had the lesion been situated higher, it might have escaped detection entirely.
Surgeon’s Outlook on Travel and Recovery
Margaritora emphasized that the pope’s attitude has facilitated his recuperation. The surgeon also recounted a moment of the pope’s self-reliance: “On the second day after the operation, we turned around and found him arranging the chairs in the chapel himself.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Treating him as I would any other patient, I think it takes a couple of weeks to make a truly complete physical recovery after this kind of operation,” — Stefano Margaritora, professor
- “During routine abdominal examinations, this small spot was found in the chest, at the base of the lung,” — Stefano Margaritora, professor
- “I am not saying that to flatter him. He truly did not cause the slightest problem for the team caring for him, and he would not have done so even if his name had been Mario Bianchi.” — Stefano Margaritora, professor
- “On the second day after the operation, we turned around and found him arranging the chairs in the chapel himself,” — Stefano Margaritora, professor