Pope Leo XIV underwent a successful operation on Tuesday in Rome to remove a malignant tumor from his right lung. The Vatican confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff has been diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that was verified during the surgical procedure.
According to a medical statement released by Vatican News, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the right lung using a video-assisted technique. The operation took place at the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic in Rome and concluded without any complications.
“The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as was suspected from the preoperative exams,” the medical report stated.
Leo XIV spent roughly three hours in the operating room, although the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes. After awakening from anesthesia and undergoing a period of observation, he returned to his room on the tenth floor of the hospital.
The aim of the surgery was to remove the identified tumor tissue. However, the procedure's success does not guarantee a cure, as post-operative analyses are still required to assess the extent of the disease and determine if additional treatments are necessary.
The surgery was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of the thoracic surgery team attending to the pontiff.
Pope's Transparency with Diagnosis
Pope Leo XIV had previously informed the public about the discovery of the nodule during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.
“Recently, during some check-ups, doctors detected a nodule in my lung. It was found at a very early stage and is well localized,” he explained, as reported by Vatican News.
The pontiff stated that he chose to follow his doctors' recommendations to undergo surgery to remove it. He also expressed gratitude for the spiritual support from the faithful and asked for their prayers.
Initial Uncertainty and Confirmation
At that time, it had not been publicly disclosed whether the nodule was cancerous. Initial reports on Sunday mentioned that the benign or malignant nature of the lesion was not yet confirmed. Two days later, the examination performed during surgery established it as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, confirming suspicions from prior medical tests.
Leo XIV was admitted to the Gemelli hospital on Tuesday morning. Upon arrival, he greeted those who had gathered outside the medical center.
Impact on Upcoming Schedule
The hospital stay is initially expected to last about a week. The pope's official audiences and activities have been temporarily suspended until October 20 to allow for recovery.
This operation marks the first significant health issue during Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, which began in May 2025. Notably, the pope's decision to publicly announce his surgery before hospital admission has drawn attention.
The diagnosis raises questions about his upcoming pastoral tour of Latin America, scheduled from November 6 to 17, with visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the trip’s cancellation.
FAQs on Pope Leo XIV's Health and Activities
What type of cancer was Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with?
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
Where was the surgery performed?
The surgery was performed at the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic in Rome.
Will Pope Leo XIV's Latin America tour be affected?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the cancellation of his Latin America tour, which is scheduled for November.