- Pope Leo XIV underwent thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, with surgeons removing the lower lobe of his right lung
- An intraoperative histological examination during the procedure confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma in the Holy Father
- The Holy See Press Office released a statement from the operating surgeons detailing what happened inside the theatre
Source: Getty Images
Vatican medical officials announced that Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent scheduled thoracic surgery on 13 October 2026 at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to excise the lower lobe of his right lung. The surgical intervention aimed to address a newly identified medical issue within his respiratory system.
Surgical Details and Diagnosis
A specialized medical team, headed by Dr. Luigi Carbone alongside Professor Stefano Margaritora, executed the video-assisted procedure according to Vatican News's X statement. Surgeons completed a complete tissue resection, which confirmed preliminary clinical expectations of lung adenocarcinoma.
While the total time spent inside the operating theater reached three hours, the specific surgical operation lasted roughly 90 minutes without experiencing post-operative complications. Upon emerging safely from anesthesia, the pontiff was moved directly to a recovery suite positioned on the hospital's tenth floor.
Background and Public Reaction
Official communications outlets circulated details regarding the procedure across digital channels. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, attained global prominence earlier after assuming leadership of the Catholic Church as its initial American-born pontiff following Pope Francis's passing. Following announcements detailing the successful outcome, believers worldwide expressed encouragement online while sending prayers for his swift recovery.
Medical practitioners continue to monitor the Holy Father's early recovery state carefully following the intervention. Health observers note that timely detection plays a decisive role in managing respiratory conditions effectively.
View the statement on X:
What did netizens say?
Reactions to the Vatican News post included the following:
@PrayTheRosary wrote:
"Praying for Pope Leo XIV 🙏🏻"
@SallySweetly89 said:
"🙏A speedy recovery for the Holy Father 🤍"
@RevCharlotte posted:
"Blessings for a full and speedy recovery! 🙏 Deo gratis for your medical team ✝️"
@ijescoco wrote:
"Thanking God for a successful surgery and praying for total recovery for our Holy Father 🙏🏾🙏🏾"
@FroemelAndy said:
"I am wishing Pope Leo a speedy recovery."
No further medical updates had been issued by the Holy See Press Office at the time of publication.
Pope Leo encourages Africans to develop home countries
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Pope Leo XIV’s appeal to African students to use their education to help develop their home countries rather than migrate abroad. Speaking in Yaoundé, he urged young people to confront corruption and build more just and sustainable societies.
His remarks come as conflict, poverty and limited economic opportunities drive displacement across Africa, with millions moving within the continent and beyond. The appeal drew divided reactions online, with some supporting his call to build at home and others defending the right to migrate.
Source: Briefly News
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