VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has undergone a major surgical procedure at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where medical teams successfully removed a nodule from his lung. While the Vatican initially described the procedure as a routine operation, a subsequent medical bulletin has confirmed a more serious diagnosis: the 71-year-old pontiff is suffering from lung adenocarcinoma.
In a statement released late Tuesday, the Vatican confirmed that surgeons were forced to remove the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung. The medical team, led by the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, noted that while the diagnosis was suspected during preoperative testing, it was officially confirmed during the procedure.
Pope Leo, who assumed the papacy 17 months ago, had demonstrated a rare level of transparency regarding his health. He personally disclosed the existence of the localized nodule during his Sunday noon prayer, informing the faithful of his intention to undergo surgery. Earlier on Tuesday, the pontiff was seen walking into the Gemelli hospital through the main entrance, where he waved to well-wishers before checking in.
As the operation took place, the atmosphere at the hospital was one of solemnity. Medical staff and clergy gathered in the hospital chapel to recite the Rosary. “Let us join together in prayer, asking the Lord to sustain our bishop, Pope Leo, and to comfort all those who are hospitalised here,” said Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Vicar of Rome, as the surgery commenced.
Despite the cancer diagnosis, the overall mood from Vatican officials remains one of cautious optimism. Oncological experts have indicated that because the nodule was identified and removed at an early stage, the Pope’s prognosis is considered “excellent.”
Following the successful completion of the surgery, the Vatican confirmed that Leo XIV has returned to his room to begin his recovery. The intensity of the operation necessitates a period of rest, leading the Vatican to cancel all of the Pope’s public audiences and scheduled events through October 20. He is expected to remain in the hospital for at least a week under close medical observation.
This procedure marks the first major health crisis for Pope Leo since he succeeded Pope Francis in 2025. As the global Catholic community processes the news, the Vatican has promised further updates on the Pope’s recovery progress as he enters the post-operative phase. For now, the focus remains on his stability and the coming days of rest following the significant surgical intervention.
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