Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican has confirmed.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure on Tuesday, October 13, after medical examinations identified a small, localised nodule in his lung.
A medical bulletin released by the Vatican said an examination conducted during the operation confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, as doctors had suspected from preoperative tests.
The surgery was successful and was completed without complications, according to the statement.
“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican said.
Doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique intended to achieve complete removal of the affected tissue.
The Vatican said Leo spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes.
Following the procedure, the Pope regained consciousness normally and was returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor after a short period of observation.
The operation was led by Dr Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, with other medical specialists assisting the surgical and anaesthesia teams.
Before the procedure, Leo had entered the hospital through its main entrance and waved to well-wishers gathered outside to greet him.
The surgery followed the Vatican’s earlier announcement that the pontiff would be admitted to the Rome hospital for the removal of a small, localised lung nodule discovered during medical examinations.
The confirmed cancer diagnosis marks a significant development in the Pope’s health, although the Vatican’s medical bulletin did not provide further details about the tumour’s stage, whether it had spread or whether additional treatment would be required.
Those details remain important in determining his recovery and any further medical care.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a form of lung cancer that develops in glandular cells in the lung. The outlook varies depending on factors including the stage of the disease, its spread and the effectiveness of treatment.
The Vatican has said the operation was completed successfully, but further information about the Pope’s condition and treatment plan will be needed to establish the next steps.
Leo XIV, who was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, is expected to remain under medical care as he recovers from the procedure.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
