Pope Leo XIV recovering from lung cancer surgery: What happens next?

Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery to remove a small nodule from his lung on Tuesday, the Vatican said. The 71-year-old returned to his room at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after the cancerous tumor was cleared with a near four-hour operation using robotic procedures. Experts say the operation will also determine whether the lesion is malignant and if other treatment is needed. Pope Leo walked into the hospital earlier in the day and waved well wishes gathered outside. Medical staff recited the rosary in the hospital chapel as the operation began. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar of Rome, led prayers to the Pope and other patients. The pontiff's audiences have been cancelled through 20th of October and he is expected to stay in hospital for about a week. It is yet uncertain if he will make his trip to South America. However, there is no confirmed cancellation.