Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican confirmed Tuesday, October 13. The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, after tissue tests conducted during the operation confirmed earlier medical suspicions.
The pope underwent surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital after doctors discovered a localized growth in his lung during a recent medical examination. The procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes and was reported to have been completed successfully, without complications.
According to the Vatican’s medical update, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the right lung using a minimally invasive, video-assisted technique. The procedure was intended to remove the cancerous tissue. However, officials have not disclosed the cancer’s stage or whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Following the operation, Pope Leo regained consciousness normally and returned to his hospital room to rest. The Vatican expects his hospital recovery to last about a week, and his public engagements have been canceled through October 20.
The diagnosis follows the pope’s announcement over the weekend that doctors had found a small, localized lung nodule and recommended surgery. At that time, the Vatican had not confirmed whether the growth was cancerous.
Further details about the pope’s prognosis and any additional treatment have not yet been announced. Medical experts have noted that the cancer’s stage and whether lymph nodes are involved are important factors in assessing the outlook.
As Catholics around the world await further updates, the Vatican continues to monitor the pontiff’s recovery. The Holy See has not provided a definitive timeline for his return to public duties beyond the current cancellation of scheduled engagements.
