Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, the Vatican has confirmed.
The 71-year-old Pontiff underwent Surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove a tumour from his right Lung after Doctors discovered a small, localised nodule during recent Medical examinations.
According to the Vatican, an examination conducted during the operation confirmed a diagnosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma, a type of Cancer that develops in the Glandular Cells of the Lungs.
The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope’s right Lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. The Vatican reported that the operation was successful and that there were no complications.
The Lung abnormality was detected during medical examinations before the Pope announced on Sunday, October 11, that he would undergo surgery on his doctors’ advice.
At the time, Leo XIV described the nodule as having been detected at a very early stage and as being well localised. He subsequently confirmed that he would proceed with the recommended operation.
The surgery marks the most significant publicly reported health issue of his papacy, which began in May 2025.
Following the procedure, the Pope returned to his hospital room to begin his recovery. The Vatican had previously indicated that he was expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week.
Although the surgery was reported to have gone well, details about the Pope’s next steps in treatment and long-term prognosis remain limited.
Further medical assessments will help determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the affected area and whether additional treatment will be necessary.
Lung Adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Its outlook varies depending on factors including the stage of the disease, whether it has spread and how successfully it responds to treatment.
The Vatican has suspended the Pope’s public audiences through October 20 to allow him time to recover.
His health will remain a key concern for Catholics around the world as he recuperates from the operation.
Further news will see to it that this post is updated.