ROME — Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery Tuesday that confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer, with doctors successfully removing the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced.
In a medical bulletin released shortly after the procedure, the Vatican confirmed that tests performed during surgery revealed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis, which had been suspected following preoperative screenings, was confirmed once surgeons were able to examine the tissue directly.
The 71-year-old pontiff spent approximately three hours in the operating room at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with the surgical procedure itself lasting about 90 minutes. “The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican stated.
Earlier in the day, the American-born Pope walked into the hospital through the main entrance, offering a wave to the crowd of well-wishers gathered outside. The operation was led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the hospital’s chief of thoracic surgery. While Gemelli maintains a designated papal suite, Leo is staying in a standard room as the traditional apartment is currently undergoing renovations.
The Vatican has maintained a rare level of transparency regarding the Pope’s health, marking the first major medical issue disclosed publicly during his 17-month papacy. Leo had personally informed the faithful of the discovery of a small, localized nodule during his Sunday noon prayer, announcing his intention to undergo the surgery.
Medical experts have expressed optimism regarding the Pope’s recovery. Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, noted that the successful completion of the surgery without unexpected findings is a positive indicator. Because the cancer was identified and removed at an early stage, oncologists have characterized the prognosis as “excellent.”
The Vatican has canceled all of the Pope’s public audiences through October 20 to allow for a weeklong hospital recovery. Whether the pontiff will be able to proceed with his ambitious, multi-nation trip to South America scheduled for early November remains a subject of ongoing medical assessment. IEO thoracic surgery director Dr. Lorenzo Spaggiari, who is not involved in the Pope’s care, noted that patients are generally advised to avoid air travel for three weeks post-operation. That timeline would place the Pope’s recovery window just days before his planned November 6 departure for Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
This hospitalization is believed to be only the second in the Pope’s life. As a young missionary priest in 1985, he was hospitalized for a severe case of typhoid fever in Peru—a period he has previously described as a “cathartic moment” that solidified his commitment to the priesthood.
Vatican officials have promised further updates on the Pope’s condition as he begins his recuperation.
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