Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery As Vatican Issues Major Health Update

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove a nodule from his right lung, according to a statement from the Vatican.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent an operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique.

The procedure was successful, and the Pope returned to his room after waking from surgery. However, the diagnosis marks a significant development in the first major publicly disclosed health issue of his papacy.

Doctors Confirm Lung Cancer Diagnosis

In a statement released by the Vatican, Professor Stefano Margaritora, who led the surgical team, and Dr Luigi Carbone explained that the operation was performed to ensure the complete removal of the affected tissue.

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

An examination of the tissue during surgery confirmed the suspected diagnosis.

The Vatican statement added that an intraoperative histological examination confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, as doctors had suspected from the tests carried out before the operation.

The surgery reportedly lasted around 90 minutes and was described as successful.

Pope Leo Returns To His Hospital Room

Before the operation, Pope Leo had arrived at Gemelli Hospital through the main entrance, waving to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to see him.

Following surgery, he woke up and returned to his room.

The hospital has a dedicated papal apartment that previous popes have used during medical treatment. The facility includes a private chapel on the tenth floor.

However, the Vatican press office said Pope Leo would stay in a nearby room because the papal apartment is currently undergoing renovations.

The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for approximately a week as he recovers from the procedure.

Vatican Cancels Papal Audiences

The health development has also affected the Pope’s public schedule.

The Vatican cancelled all of Leo’s audiences through October 20, allowing time for his hospital stay and recovery.

The decision follows the Pope’s earlier announcement that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung and that he would undergo surgery to have it removed.

His willingness to speak publicly about the discovery has offered an unusual degree of transparency regarding the health of a sitting pontiff.

However, the available statement does not provide a detailed prognosis or specify what further treatment, if any, may be required.

A Significant Moment In His Papacy

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, has been in office for around 17 months, according to the report.

Although the diagnosis represents a major health development, it is not his first experience with a serious illness.

In 1985, while serving as a young missionary priest in Chulucanas, Peru, he contracted typhoid fever and required hospital treatment.

The experience became an important moment in his life and helped shape his decision to remain in Peru despite the difficult living conditions.

In a 2025 biography written by Elise Ann Allen, Leo recalled the pain he experienced during the illness and described the episode as a turning point in his religious vocation.

He explained that recovering from the illness helped him recognise the needs of the local community and strengthened his determination to continue his work there.

He ultimately remained committed to that path, which formed part of the journey that eventually led him to the papacy.

What Happens Next?

For now, the immediate priority is Pope Leo’s recovery following the successful operation.

The Vatican has confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, but the information provided so far does not establish the full outlook or whether additional treatment will be necessary.

His temporary withdrawal from public audiences means that attention will remain focused on updates from the Vatican and his medical team.

The surgery has been completed successfully, but the confirmed diagnosis marks a serious new chapter in Pope Leo XIV’s health. Further information about his recovery and medical outlook will be important in understanding what comes next.

This article is based on the supplied report. Medical details and the Pope’s prognosis should be updated only when confirmed by the Vatican or his treating doctors.