Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after surgeons in Rome removed part of his right lung, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital to remove a nodule from his right lung. Tests carried out during the procedure showed that the growth was malignant.

“Intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma,” the Vatican said, adding that this was “as suspected from pre-operative tests.”

Doctors removed the entire lower lobe of the right lung so that the tumour could be removed completely. “To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique,” the Vatican said.

The Holy See described the operation as “successful,” with “no complications.” The Pope spent about three hours in the operating theatre, and the surgery itself took about 90 minutes. The surgical team was led by Dr Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli.

According to the Vatican, the Pope recovered normally from the anaesthetic and was taken back to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor. He is staying in a nearby suite because the papal apartment at Gemelli is being renovated. The Vatican has not said what stage the cancer is at, whether it has spread, or whether further treatment will be needed.

The Pope first disclosed his condition on Sunday, 11 October, during his weekly noon blessing in St Peter’s Square. He told the faithful that doctors had found a well-localised nodule on his lung. “The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it,” he said. “Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers.”

The Vatican has cancelled all the Pope’s audiences until 20 October. He also withdrew from the ongoing Synod of Bishops. Its final synthesis report will no longer be published when the meeting closes and will instead be reviewed by the Pope once he recovers.

He had also been due to leave Rome on the day of the surgery to present a sustainability award on behalf of Villanova University, his alma mater.

The diagnosis raises doubts over his planned apostolic journey to South America, which is due to begin on 6 November and includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Patients are usually advised to avoid flying for about three weeks after this kind of procedure. The Pope has said he intends to visit Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop for many years.

Senior Church figures said the news came as a surprise. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said that “no one expected” the announcement, but noted that he had spoken with the Pope the day before the operation. Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo said the pontiff had told him he “feels nothing wrong with his body.”

Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and became the first American to lead the Catholic Church when he was elected on 8 May 2025, after the death of Pope Francis. He is considered relatively young and active for a pontiff and has no known history of smoking.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer, and it also affects people who have never smoked. Specialists say that when it is found early and confined to one area, surgical removal gives patients a strong chance of recovery.

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