Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a procedure lasting approximately 90 minutes on Tuesday at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. According to a Vatican medical bulletin, the operation was successful and there were no complications.

The Pope awoke normally after the surgery and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation. The Vatican also reported that he had a peaceful night after the procedure.

He is expected to remain in hospital for about a week to recover.

The diagnosis was confirmed after doctors examined a lung nodule that had been detected before the operation. The Vatican said the findings were consistent with their earlier suspicions of lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.

A Vatican source told AFP that additional tests were being conducted to determine whether the cancer had spread.

Pope Leo XIV Announced Lung Surgery Before Hospital Admission

Pope Leo XIV disclosed his planned operation during his weekly Sunday prayers in St Peter’s Square, telling pilgrims that doctors had discovered a nodule in his lung.

He described the mass as well-contained and detected at an early stage, adding that his medical team had recommended its removal.

The Vatican subsequently confirmed that surgeons removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung to ensure the procedure was thorough.

Although lung nodules are relatively common and are not always cancerous, further examination confirmed that the growth was malignant.

The Vatican has said the Pope, who is generally considered fit, had not displayed symptoms of infection or illness.

His official schedule has been cleared until 20 October to allow him time to recover.

Diagnosis Raises Questions Over Planned Latin America Visit

The Pope’s health has drawn particular attention because he is expected to travel to Latin America in early November.

The planned trip includes Peru, where he served as a missionary and later as a bishop for several years. He also holds Peruvian citizenship.

In the northern Peruvian city of Chiclayo, where he previously served as bishop for eight years, residents have been praying for his recovery ahead of his anticipated visit.

Local officials had announced plans for the city to receive approximately 1.5 million visitors in connection with the Pope’s expected return.

The Vatican has not confirmed whether his diagnosis will affect the planned trip.

The news has also prompted concern among Catholics worldwide, particularly following the hospitalisations of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died in 2025. Francis had part of his lung removed during his youth and later experienced several respiratory infections.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin described the news as unexpected but said the cardinals had been encouraged by the Pope’s calm response and remained hopeful about his recovery.

Archbishop Richard Moth, the leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, also expressed gratitude and relief that the operation had been successful.

What Is Lung Adenocarcinoma?

Lung adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small-cell lung cancer that develops in glandular cells, including those that produce mucus. It is one of the most common types of lung cancer and often develops in the outer regions of the lungs.

The outlook for patients depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, whether it has spread and the individual’s overall health.

When detected early, lung adenocarcinoma may be treatable with surgery, depending on the circumstances. Other treatment options can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted medicines and immunotherapy.