Pope 'progressing as expected' after surgery to remove lower lobe of lung, doctors say

Pope Leo XIV is "progressing as expected" following surgery to remove a lower lobe of his lung, according to his doctors. 

The Pope was diagnosed with lung cancer after the surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, the BBC reported. The procedure took approximately 90 minutes. 

Blood tests and an X-ray early on Wednesday showed his recovery is going normally, and he has also undergone respiratory physiotherapy. The 71-year-old pontiff has started to walk and has "resumed a normal diet," according to doctors. 

"After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room," the Vatican said. He is expected to remain at the hospital for about a week.