Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery to Remove Part of Right Lung, Vatican Says
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during surgery in Rome, the Vatican has confirmed. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, October 13.
According to the Vatican’s medical bulletin, tests conducted during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. The diagnosis had been suspected following examinations before surgery.
Surgery Completed Without Complications
The Vatican said the operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the Pope spent about three hours in the operating room. The procedure was completed successfully, with no complications reported.
Doctors removed the lower lobe of the right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. The stated aim was to remove the affected tissue in an effort to treat the cancer.
Following the operation, Pope Leo regained consciousness normally and returned to his hospital room, according to the medical update.
Further Tests Will Help Guide Treatment
Although the diagnosis has been confirmed, important medical details remain unknown. Further examination of the removed tissue and lymph nodes will help doctors assess the extent of the disease and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
The Vatican has not provided a confirmed cancer stage or a detailed prognosis. It has also said that chemotherapy or other therapies are not currently being considered while doctors await further test results.
The available information does not establish whether the cancer has spread beyond the affected part of the lung.
Pope Expected to Remain in Hospital
The Pope is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week while he recovers from surgery. The Vatican has cancelled his public audiences through October 20.
Further updates on his recovery and treatment are expected from the Holy See as additional medical information becomes available.
What Is Lung Adenocarcinoma?
Lung adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer that begins in cells lining the lungs. Its outlook and treatment depend on factors including the stage of the cancer, whether lymph nodes are involved and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
In Pope Leo XIV’s case, the full medical assessment remains pending, and no definitive conclusion about his long-term prognosis can yet be drawn from the information released publicly.
