Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer, Vatican Confirms

The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer following a successful operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute procedure on Tuesday at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, after which doctors confirmed he had lung adenocarcinoma. 

According to the Vatican, the surgery went smoothly with no complications, and the Pope regained consciousness normally before returning to his room for observation. He is expected to remain hospitalised for roughly a week.

The growth was discovered during what the Vatican termed “routine checks.” In its statement, the Vatican noted that the entire lower lobe was removed “to ensure the procedure was radical.” A Vatican source told Agence France-Presse that additional tests are underway to determine whether the cancer has spread.

Pope Leo himself revealed the upcoming operation on Sunday, speaking from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square after the traditional Angelus blessing. He described the nodule as “contained” and detected “at a very early stage,” adding that doctors had recommended removal.

Gemelli’s thoracic surgery team performed the operation, and the Pope’s schedule has been cleared through October 20 to allow for recovery. The Vatican emphasised that the pontiff, generally regarded as fit, showed no symptoms of illness.

Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo, who met with the Pope on Monday, said Leo appeared physically well and chose to undergo surgery promptly due to a planned trip to Latin America in early November, a journey that includes a visit to Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop.

Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, described it as a “bolt from the blue” but noted the Pope’s calm demeanour. Outside Gemelli Hospital, supporters gathered to pray and await updates.