Pope Leo XIV is recovering as expected after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at a hospital in Rome.

Doctors said the 71-year-old pontiff has begun walking, resumed a normal diet, and is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy.

Medical tests confirmed that the lung nodule removed during the procedure was cancerous, and the Pope was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.

The Vatican reported that the operation was successful and without complications, while additional tests were conducted to determine whether the cancer had spread, the BBC has reported.

Pope Leo is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week as Catholics around the world follow updates on his recovery.