https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/while-leo-recovers-from-lung-surgery-the-church-runs-on-autopilotContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/while-leo-recovers-from-lung-surgery-the-church-runs-on-autopilothttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/while-leo-recovers-from-lung-surgery-the-church-runs-on-autopilot#u131657Sun, 18 Oct 2026 11:36:04 +0000Pope Leo XIV is recovering after undergoing lung cancer surgery in Rome to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The pontiff has shared his first message since the operation, and Vatican officials report that his postoperative recovery is progressing normally following a good second night at Rome's Gemelli hospital. The unexpected diagnosis has left the Vatican operating on autopilot, highlighting a lack of specific church rules for when a pontiff is incapacitated by medical procedures rather than death or resignation.Why it mattersThe sudden medical intervention has raised questions a