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 confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday, October 13, after laboratory tests examined the removed tissue.
The 71-year-old pontiff spent a peaceful night in hospital, according to a Vatican statement. Further information about his condition was expected later in the day.
What the Vatican Confirmed About the Pope’s Diagnosis
Doctors diagnosed Pope Leo with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The diagnosis followed a recent medical check that detected a small, localized growth in his lung.
The Pope had announced on Sunday that doctors had found the nodule and recommended surgery. At that time, he described it as having been detected at a very early stage and as well localized.
During Tuesday’s operation, surgeons removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung. The procedure itself lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the Pope spent about three hours in the operating room. The Vatican said the surgery went according to plan and caused no complications.
What We Know About His Recovery
The Pope is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week. The Vatican has canceled his public engagements through October 20 to allow him time to recover.
His diagnosis has also raised questions about his planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. As of Wednesday morning, no definitive announcement had established whether the trip would proceed as scheduled.
The immediate medical priority is his recovery from surgery and the assessment of the available test results. Although surgeons removed the affected lung lobe, that fact alone does not establish whether the operation has eliminated all the cancer or whether further treatment will be needed.
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