Charles Faces More Devastating Health News After Report He’s in ‘Agony’ Over a Different Update

According to multiple outlets, one of Charles’ acquaintances has also announced they’ve been diagnosed with cancer: Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican revealed that Pope Leo XIV, 71, underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove “the lower lobe” of his right lung.

The operation confirmed he has lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

Shortly after the diagnosis was made public, Charles reportedly paid tribute to Pope Leo XIV. Hello! reported that Charles, 77, had “written privately to the Pontiff to pass on his well-wishes.” It’s currently unclear what Charles’ message said, but it was likely a brief note of support. Related Stories Finally an Answer to if Harry & Meghan Are Invited to What Could Be Charles’ ‘Last Christmas’ After Their ‘Important’ Meeting with the King Royal Family Suffers More Tragic News After Report Charles Is in ‘Agony’ Over a ‘Distressing’ Health Update

Pope Leo XIV underwent thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, as planned, according to a statement from Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora released by the Holy See Press Office.The surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung,… pic.twitter.com/DL9b6p9T1H

Charles and Pope Leo XIV first met in late October 2025, when the monarch visited Vatican City. During the visit, the pair made history by praying together at the Sistine Chapel—the first public prayer between a British monarch and pope since Henry VIII split from Rome in 1534.

News of Pope Leo XIV’s cancer diagnosis follows a report claiming Charles was in “agony” after a heartbreaking health update. RadarOnline previously reported that Charles has been worried about his friend, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who left the limelight after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

A source told the outlet that Charles “cares enormously” about Fiennes, 82, adding that he was “genuinely troubled and in a bit of agony when he heard what was happening.”

“This isn’t somebody he knows casually – there is a friendship stretching back decades,” they explained. “It’s especially distressing with Charles fighting cancer. He has developed the feeling that he wants no one in pain.”

Related: Charles Reportedly in ‘Agony’ After Devastating Health Update as Sources Reveal the 1 Thing Causing Him to Be ‘Especially Distressed’

Charles wanted to “reach out privately, express his concern and ask whether there was anything he could do,” but he couldn’t get in touch with Fiennes or his family. “Being unable to establish contact has been incredibly upsetting.”

“For somebody of the King’s position to make a personal effort like that and then find the door effectively closed was difficult,” the source continued. “His concern has always been for his friend’s welfare.”

The outlet noted that Anton Bowring, a fellow explorer, reached out to the royal family in 2025 about Fiennes. Bowring reportedly told officials that the British Army veteran was “in a very poor state.” At the time, Charles’ team told Bowring that the king wanted to write to Fiennes and his family—but he was rejected because Fiennes’ wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, didn’t want to share their personal information.