The 71-year-old pontiff spent approximately three hours in the operating room, during which doctors confirmed the diagnosis of a form of lung cancer. The disease had been suspected before the surgery, but it has now been confirmed.
The Vatican announced that the operation was successfully completed and that there were no complications.
BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican confirms. The 71-year-old pontiff spent approximately three hours in the operating room, with doctors confirming a form of lung cancer during the procedure. The diagnosis had been suspected before the operation, but doctors now have confirmation. The Vatican says the surgery was successful and there were no complications. — Fox News (@FoxNews) October 13, 2026