Pope's surgeon says no clinical reason to cancel South America trip

The surgeon who performed Pope Francis' lung operation said he sees no clinical reason to cancel the planned South America visit. He stated that, from a medical standpoint, the Pope can undertake the trip scheduled for November 6 to 17. The surgeon, Stefano Maragitoria, is a senior thoracic surgery professor at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and head of thoracic surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. He explained that the Pope's health after discharge was excellent, with normal blood tests, good heart function, and normal lung re-expansion. The malignant lung tumor was discovered accidentally during routine abdominal imaging when a small spot was seen at the base of the lung.

He noted that such findings are often missed if the spot were slightly higher. He emphasized the importance of preventive screening, especially for high‑risk groups, and said that the Pope had no respiratory symptoms before the diagnosis. The surgery was described as routine, involving removal of the right lower lobe of the lung. The surgeon expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting no complications and a smooth recovery. He estimated that full physical recovery would take about two weeks, allowing the Pope to be ready for the long‑range trip roughly three weeks after the operation. He also reflected on the profound personal and professional significance of operating on the Pope, describing the internal conflict between treating him as any other patient and recognizing the historic nature of the case.