Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery in Rome

The 71-year-old pontiff is recovering in hospital after surgeons removed part of his right lung, with further tests needed to determine whether additional treatment will be required

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery in Rome, with the Vatican confirming that the operation was a success.

The 71-year-old pontiff spent the night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a 90-minute procedure on Tuesday, during which surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. 

He is expected to remain in hospital for approximately a week, with all public engagements cancelled until October 20.

Doctors confirmed that the Pope, who took office in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, has lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, after examining tissue removed during the operation. 

Although the surgery went according to plan, further tests are needed to establish the extent of the disease and determine whether additional treatment will be necessary.

The Vatican said this morning that the Pope had spent a calm night in hospital, adding that another medical update would be issued later in the day.

The Pope spent about three hours in the operating room altogether, with the operation being conducted by a surgical team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital. 

In a statement issued through the Holy See Press Office, the medical team explained that surgeons had removed the affected section of lung using a minimally invasive technique.

They said: “To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique.

“An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the preoperative examinations.”

The Pope is said to have woken normally after surgery and returned to his room following a period of observation. 

He subsequently requested dinner and spent the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

Leo had announced on Sunday that doctors had discovered a small growth in his lung during routine medical examinations and recommended surgery.

Addressing worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square for the traditional Angelus prayer, he said the growth had been detected at an early stage and appeared to be confined to a small area.

He said: “It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized.

“The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.”

He thanked the faithful for their support and asked them to pray for him.

The diagnosis has nevertheless caused concern among Catholics worldwide, particularly given the Pope’s reputation for good health and his comparatively active lifestyle.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin acknowledged the shock felt within the Church, describing the news as unexpected.

Speaking yesterday, he said the cardinals had been struck by the Pope’s composure and remained confident about his recovery. 

Outside Gemelli Hospital, crowds of well-wishers gathered to offer their support. Some had waited for hours to see the Pope arrive, cheering as he smiled and waved from his car.

Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, who met Leo on Monday, subsequently reported that the Pope had felt physically well despite knowing he needed an operation.

Lung adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in glandular cells within the lungs. It is the most common type of lung cancer and can affect people who have never smoked.

The Vatican has said the pontiff had shown no symptoms of illness before the discovery. 

Surgery is a standard treatment when the disease is confined to a particular section of lung, although further treatment may be required depending on whether cancer cells have spread.

The Pope’s doctors have not disclosed the size or formal stage of the tumour, or whether nearby lymph nodes have been affected.

Further examination of the tissue removed during surgery is expected to establish whether the cancer has been completely excised and whether additional treatment, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy, is necessary.

The hospitalisation has also raised questions about the Pope’s forthcoming overseas engagements.

Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between November 6 and 17.

The visit to Peru holds particular personal significance. The American-born Pope spent many years working there as a missionary before becoming Bishop of Chiclayo, and later obtained Peruvian citizenship.

Cardinal Kikuchi said Leo had been particularly keen to undergo surgery promptly in the hope of preserving his November travel plans.

The Vatican has yet to announce any changes to the itinerary, although the decision will depend on the Pope’s recovery and the outcome of further medical tests.

In the meantime, other senior clergy have assumed some of his public duties, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who presided over a Mass in St Peter’s Square during the Pope’s absence.

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_{Main Image: Pope Leo XIV with King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Credit: Ben Dance/FCDO (OGL v3.0).}