Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Doctors are awaiting further tests to determine the extent of the disease in the 71-year-old pontiff.
The Vatican confirmed that tests conducted during the operation identified lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Doctors had suspected the diagnosis after earlier medical examinations revealed a small, localized nodule in his lung.
According to the Vatican’s medical bulletin, Leo spent approximately three hours in the operating room, with the surgery itself lasting about 90 minutes. The procedure was completed without complications, and the pope returned to his hospital room afterward.
Surgeons removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung in an effort to eliminate all suspected cancerous tissue. However, further test results, including those involving his lymph nodes, are needed to determine whether the cancer has spread.
The Vatican said doctors have not yet determined whether chemotherapy or other treatment will be necessary. Medical specialists said lung adenocarcinoma can have a favorable prognosis when detected early, although Leo’s cancer stage remains unknown.
Leo first disclosed the discovery of the lung nodule during his Sunday Angelus address on Oct. 11, explaining that doctors had recommended surgery after identifying the abnormality during recent examinations.
The pope is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week. His scheduled public audiences have been canceled through Oct. 20 to allow him to recover.
His planned Nov. 6 to 17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru also remains uncertain, with the Vatican yet to confirm whether his recovery will allow him to proceed.
The Vatican has not announced the cancer’s stage or any further treatment plans.
