The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at a hospital in Rome.
The surgery was performed at Rome Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on Tuesday, October 13, and a growth that had been detached during recent medical examinations was removed.
According to the Vatican, the operation was successful, lasting approximately 90 minutes, with no complications reported, but once the operation was over, Pope Leo XIV regained consciousness and was resting in his hospital room.
The 71-year-old was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, which is a common lung cancer, after a tissue test conducted during the operation confirmed the doctor’s earlier suspicions, according to a medical bulletin released on Tuesday, October 13.
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for the canonisation of seven new saints at St Peter’s Square on October 19, 2025.
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The cancer diagnosis comes days after Pope Leo XIV announced that the doctors discovered a small nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations on Sunday, October 11, when he said it was detected in the early stages and was well-localised.
At the time, the Vatican had not confirmed whether the nodule was cancerous or not, but the Pope had mentioned that doctors had recommended surgery to remove it, prompting a planned procedure that led to his diagnosis.
Lung adenocarcinoma develops in cells that produce substances such as mucus in the lungs and is usually a common subtype of lung cancer.
It is not yet confirmed by the Vatican whether cancer cells were found in nearby lymph nodes or the size of the tumour.
Additionally, the Vatican has not confirmed if there are additional treatment will be additional treatment required has not yet been confirmed.
Pope Leo XIV's diagnosis, on the other hand, has raised questions about the planned visit to South America in November, and the trip remains subject to his recovery.
His diagnosis is a major health development during his papacy, and before his announcement, the pope was not widely known for his health problems.
The Roman Catholic Church has approximately 1.4 billion members worldwide, and while Pope Leo XIV recovers in the hospital, the Vatican continues its administrative operations, with the pontiff’s recovery and any further treatment expected to shape his upcoming public engagements.
Following this announcement, Bishop Michael W. Fisher has issued a statement; the bishop invited prayer for Pope Leo XIV.
“I invite the Catholic family across Western New York and all people of goodwill to join together in prayer for our holy father, Pope Leo XIV, as he deals with this concerning health issue. We have full confidence that he is receiving the finest care, mindful that there are many throughout our nation and beyond who face similar health challenges but do not enjoy or have access to quality healthcare. We commend Pope Leo and all who confront disease and sickness to our loving and ever-present Lord who alone can heal us in mind, body and spirit,” Bishop Michael said.
Catholic faithful during the prayer of the rosary during Mass.
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