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Pope recovering "as expected" after surgery, lung cancer diagnosis

The Vatican says tests after surgery confirmed the diagnosis, and Pope Leo XIV has already begun respiratory physiotherapy, with Catholics worldwide watching for what happens next.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on BBN Newsroom
Published 10:32 AM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

At a glance

First reported by CBS News: “Pope recovering "as expected" after surgery, lung cancer diagnosis”, with reporting from BBC.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:32 AM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.

The real story

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What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorPope Leo the Fourteenth is recovering "as expected" and has begun respiratory physiotherapy, the Vatican says, after tests confirmed a lung cancer diagnosis following his surgery.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe BBC reports that Catholics around the world are asking what comes next, and for many of them this morning that means prayer and waiting for word from Rome.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorTwo cargo ships have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian attacks spike, according to the Wall Street Journal.
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