Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, with the Vatican confirming the 71-year-old pontiff is recovering following a successful operation.
The concerning diagnosis was confirmed on Tuesday after surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung during a 90-minute procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
According to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican, tests conducted during the operation confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.
Doctors had suspected the condition following earlier examinations, but the diagnosis was only confirmed during surgery.
Despite the worrying news, the Vatican offered reassurance that the procedure had gone according to plan.
“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the medical statement said.
The Pope, who spent approximately three hours in the operating theatre, woke normally from the anaesthetic and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation.
The health scare comes just days after Pope Leo made the unusual decision to personally inform the faithful that doctors had discovered a small growth on his lung during a routine medical examination.
Speaking to crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, the pontiff explained that the nodule had been detected early and was confined to a small area.
“It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized,” he said.
“The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.”
He also thanked supporters for their concern and asked them to keep him in their prayers.
The operation was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, with surgeons using a minimally invasive, video-assisted technique to remove the affected section of lung.
While the surgery has been described as successful, doctors are still awaiting further test results to determine whether the cancer has spread.
These include examinations of the lymph nodes, which will help establish the stage of the disease and whether additional treatment may be necessary.
No announcement has yet been made regarding chemotherapy or other cancer treatments.
Medical experts have nevertheless pointed to the early detection and surgical removal of the affected tissue as encouraging developments.
Dr Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, said determining the stage of the disease would now be crucial.
“While we know the diagnosis we now need to know the stage,” he said.
The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for approximately a week, with all public audiences and engagements cancelled until October 20.
His planned visit to South America in November also remains uncertain, depending on his recovery.
The diagnosis represents the first major publicly disclosed health challenge of Leo’s papacy since his election in May 2025, when he became the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church.
The pontiff, who is known for his active lifestyle and love of tennis, has generally enjoyed good health.
His hospitalisation has prompted an outpouring of concern and prayers from Catholics around the world.
Before the operation, well-wishers gathered outside Gemelli Hospital to greet the Pope as he arrived, smiling and waving to those waiting to see him.
For now, attention remains focused on his recovery and the results of further medical tests, with the Vatican expected to provide additional updates on his condition in the coming days.
