Vatican announces Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after successful surgery
The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung during a video‑assisted thoracic operation on Oct. 13 at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.
The diagnosis was confirmed by an intra‑operative histological examination, which matched suspicions from pre‑operative tests. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the operation lasted about 90 minutes, that the Pope was in the operating room for three hours, and that he woke up normally and returned to his room without complications.
Doctors had detected a small, localized nodule in the Pope’s lung during routine imaging and classified it as early‑stage and well‑situated. The Vatican described the nodule as “a small localized nodule” that required removal, and the surgical team employed a minimally invasive uni‑portal video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) technique, led by chief thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora.
At 71, the pontiff is the first American pope, elected in 2025, and is known for an active lifestyle that includes tennis and swimming. The Vatican noted that his health had been good prior to the discovery, and that he expressed gratitude for the spiritual support of the faithful during his Angelus address on Oct. 11.
Faithful around the world gathered to pray, including a large candlelight Rosary procession at Fatima, Portugal, on the eve of the operation’s anniversary. Vatican officials said prayers from bishops, politicians, and laypeople have been ongoing as the Pope recovers.
While the Pope’s scheduled apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in early November remains listed on the itinerary, Vatican officials have not confirmed whether the trip will proceed as planned. The Holy See’s press office indicated that the Pope will need approximately one week of post‑operative hospitalization before resuming his duties.
Further updates on Pope Leo XIV’s condition and any adjustments to his public schedule are expected to be released by the Holy See in the coming days.
