VATICAN CITY: The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis after surgery in Rome on Tuesday. Doctors removed the lower lobe of the 71-year-old pontiff’s right lung.
Tissue examination at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the medical bulletin said. Preoperative tests had already led doctors to suspect the diagnosis.
Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at the hospital, led the procedure. His team used a video-assisted technique.
The operation lasted about 90 minutes without complications, according to the Vatican. Leo spent approximately three hours in the operating room. He woke normally and returned to his hospital room after a brief observation period. Doctors expect him to remain in hospital for about a week.
Further examinations of the removed tissue are planned in the coming days. Its bulletin did not specify the cancer’s stage or whether Leo would need additional treatment.
Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni described the Pope’s evening after surgery. Leo asked for dinner and spent time with his secretaries and Vatican staff.
During his October 11 Angelus address, the Pope said routine examinations found a small, localised lung nodule. He described the finding as very early and well localised.
“I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it,” Leo said. He thanked people for their support and prayers.
Before Tuesday’s operation, Leo travelled from the Vatican to Gemelli Hospital. He waved from his vehicle and greeted officials and well-wishers on arrival.
His public engagements remain cancelled until October 20. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is due to preside at Wednesday’s Mass in St Peter’s Square in his place.
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Leo has a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. The Vatican’s official statements announced no change to that itinerary.
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Leo became Pope in May 2025. He previously spent decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru.
In a book published by Penguin Peru, he recalled a 1985 hospital stay for typhoid fever in Chulucanas. He was a young priest then. Vatican officials expect to provide a recovery update on Wednesday morning, including any available test results.
(With additional input from Vatican News)
