Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Successful Surgery.

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove a growth from his right lung, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent thoracic surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations.

The Vatican said the procedure was completed successfully and without complications. During the operation, doctors confirmed that the growth was cancerous and diagnosed the Pope with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.

According to a medical statement released by the Holy See Press Office, surgeons removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. The decision was made to ensure the complete removal of the affected area.

The diagnosis had already been suspected based on tests carried out before the operation. However, tissue examined during the procedure provided confirmation that the nodule was an adenocarcinoma.

Surgery completed without complications

The Vatican said Pope Leo spent approximately three hours in the operating room, while the actual surgical procedure lasted around 90 minutes.

Doctors described the operation as successful, with no complications reported. Following the procedure, the Pope woke up as expected and was taken back to his hospital room after a brief period of observation.

The Vatican’s statement said the Pope had returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor following the surgery.

The surgical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, with Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella also involved in the procedure. The anesthesia team included Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr Giovanni Punzo and Dr Giuseppe Bello.

The successful outcome of the surgery provides some immediate reassurance about the Pope’s condition, although further medical evaluation will be important in determining the next stage of his treatment.

Diagnosis was suspected before surgery

Pope Leo had announced just days before the operation that doctors had discovered a localized nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations.

Speaking after the Angelus on Sunday, October 11, the Pope said the nodule had been detected at a very early stage and was well localized. He explained that his doctors had recommended surgery and that he had decided to follow their advice.

At the time, the Vatican had not publicly confirmed that the growth was cancerous.

That changed following Tuesday’s operation, when tissue examined during surgery confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma.

The development represents the first major publicly disclosed health challenge involving Pope Leo since he became head of the Catholic Church.

The Pope had continued carrying out his public duties in the days leading up to the surgery. Vatican officials had previously indicated that the operation would require adjustments to his schedule and that he was expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately a week.

What is lung adenocarcinoma?

Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of lung cancer that develops in cells involved in producing substances such as mucus in the lungs. It is one of the most common forms of lung cancer.

The discovery of the cancer at an early stage may be significant, but the full picture of Pope Leo’s condition will depend on further medical assessments.

Doctors will need to determine whether the cancer was confined to the removed portion of the lung and whether additional treatment will be necessary. The Vatican has not announced a detailed long-term treatment plan following Tuesday’s operation.

For now, the immediate focus is expected to be on the Pope’s recovery from surgery.

The Vatican has not reported any complications from the procedure, and the Pope was able to wake normally after the operation and return to his room.

Pope expected to remain in hospital during recovery

Pope Leo is expected to spend several days recovering at Gemelli Hospital under medical supervision.

The hospital has previously treated several popes, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, making it a familiar location for major medical treatment involving the leaders of the Catholic Church.

Before his admission, Pope Leo had continued with his responsibilities as pontiff. Vatican officials had been preparing for his temporary absence from some scheduled engagements while he recovered.

His medical condition could also affect plans for upcoming events and international travel, depending on how quickly he recovers and what doctors recommend.

The Pope had previously indicated that he hoped to continue with his responsibilities despite the operation, but his health will now remain a major consideration for the Vatican as his recovery progresses.

Prayers and messages of support

News of the Pope’s surgery and subsequent cancer diagnosis has prompted messages of concern and support from Catholics and religious communities.

Following the Pope’s announcement that he would undergo surgery, prayers were offered for his recovery in different parts of the world. Vatican News reported that Catholics and church leaders had expressed their spiritual closeness to the pontiff ahead of the procedure.

The diagnosis also comes at a significant point in Pope Leo’s pontificate.

Elected in May 2025, the American-born Pope became the first pontiff from the United States. Since taking office, he has maintained a demanding schedule involving meetings with world leaders, religious figures and Catholic communities around the world.

His health will now be closely watched as he begins his recovery.

Vatican provides reassurance after operation

Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, the Vatican’s initial medical update offered reassurance about the immediate outcome of the surgery.

The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the operation went according to plan and that there were no complications. The Pope also recovered from the anesthesia as expected and returned to his room after observation.

The confirmation that the cancer was detected during the operation provides a clearer understanding of the health issue that led to the procedure.

However, officials have not indicated that the diagnosis should be interpreted as a sign that the Pope’s condition is immediately life-threatening.

Further medical information will be important in establishing the extent of the disease and determining whether the removal of the affected lung lobe is expected to be sufficient treatment.

For now, Pope Leo remains under medical care at Gemelli Hospital as he begins the recovery process.

The Vatican is expected to provide additional updates on his condition as necessary.

The Pope’s successful surgery marks the beginning of what will likely be a closely monitored period of recovery, with Catholics around the world awaiting further information about his health and his ability to resume his full schedule.

For the moment, Vatican officials have confirmed the key facts: Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the lower lobe of his right lung has been removed, and the surgery was completed successfully without complications.