Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has confirmed.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors detected a suspicious growth in his lung during medical examinations.
According to a medical bulletin released by the Holy See Press Office, laboratory tests conducted during the procedure confirmed that the growth was lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, with the Pope spending about three hours in the operating room. Doctors said the procedure was successful and was completed without complications.
The pontiff regained consciousness normally after surgery and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation, according to the Vatican.
The diagnosis follows an earlier announcement by Pope Leo XIV that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung and recommended surgery to remove it.
The Pope is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week as he recovers. His medical team has not yet announced a further treatment plan, with additional examinations expected to provide more information about his condition.
The Vatican said further updates on the pontiff’s recovery would be provided as necessary.
