Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure on Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital. Doctors confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of the disease that had been suspected from preoperative tests.
The surgery, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, was successful and free of complications, according to the Vatican. Surgeons used a video-assisted technique to remove the lower lobe in what was described as a “radical” resection aimed at eliminating all suspect tissue.
“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican statement said. The pope regained consciousness normally and returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.
Doctors are not currently discussing chemotherapy or other treatments pending further test results. The pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, with all his audiences cancelled through October 20.
Leo first publicly disclosed the discovery of a small nodule on his lung during his Sunday noon prayer in St Peter’s Square.
“The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it,” he said.
The pope, who has no reported history of serious illness and is known to be physically active, waved to well-wishers as he arrived at the hospital. He has said he still intends to proceed with a planned Latin American tour in November that includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
