Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has announced....
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday after doctors detected a growth during what the Vatican described as routine medical checks.
A medical bulletin issued by the Vatican on Wednesday confirmed that the growth was pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
“The operation was successful and there were no complications,” the Vatican said, adding that the Pope awoke normally and returned to his room after a brief period of observation.
The pontiff reportedly had a peaceful night following the operation and is expected to remain in hospital for about a week as he recovers.
The Vatican said the entire lower lobe of his right lung was removed to ensure the procedure was thorough.
A Vatican source told Agence France-Presse that further tests were being conducted to determine whether the cancer had spread beyond the affected area.
Despite the diagnosis, the Vatican has said the Pope showed no symptoms of infection or illness before the procedure.
Leo had disclosed the planned operation during his traditional Angelus blessing in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, telling worshippers that the lung growth had been detected at an early stage and that doctors had recommended its removal.
His schedule has been cleared until 20 October to allow him time to recover.
Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo said on social media that he had met the Pope on Monday and that the pontiff had reported feeling physically well.
He said the Pope opted to undergo surgery promptly because he was scheduled to travel to Latin America in early November, including a visit to Peru, where he had served as a missionary and bishop for many years.
The diagnosis has sparked concern among Catholics worldwide, with senior Vatican officials expressing hope for his recovery.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, described the news as a “bolt from the blue” but said the cardinals had been encouraged by the Pope’s calmness.
Outside Gemelli Hospital, Catholics and members of religious communities gathered to offer prayers and express support for the pontiff.
One woman, Carla, told the BBC that the Pope’s calm demeanour had helped reassure those concerned about his health.
“He seems calm, so we are calm too — even though illness is always unpleasant,” she said.
The Vatican has yet to provide a definitive timeline for the Pope’s full recovery or confirm whether his planned November trip will proceed.