- Pope Leo XIV, 71, underwent surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on October 13, 2026, to treat early-stage lung cancer
- The Vatican confirmed that final tests showed the cancer had been completely removed, with no further therapy needed
- The Pope made a notably swift return to public duties just days after being discharged from hospital
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Pope Leo XIV has been given the all-clear following surgery for early-stage lung cancer, with his medical team confirming the disease was fully removed, and no additional treatment is necessary.
Source: Getty Images
The Vatican announced the positive outcome on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after final histological and molecular tests confirmed the cancer was localised and had not spread.
Dr Luigi Carbone, the Pope's personal physician, and Professor Stefano Margaritora, the surgeon who led the procedure, both indicated that a post-operative oncological evaluation found no need for further therapy.
How was the cancer discovered?
The Pope's diagnosis came somewhat by chance. Doctors identified a lung nodule during routine medical screening, which subsequently led to a confirmed diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, one of the most common forms of lung cancer.
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Unlike previous papal health situations, which have historically been handled with considerable discretion, Pope Leo XIV chose to publicly acknowledge his condition before going under the knife, a decision that drew widespread attention and admiration.
On October 13, 2026, the 71-year-old underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The procedure, which lasted roughly 90 minutes, involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. He was discharged just four days later, on October 17.
His recovery appeared remarkably swift. By October 21, the same day the cancer-free confirmation was announced, he was back at St Peter's Square delivering his weekly general audience to the faithful.
See the post below:
Faithful react to the news
News of the Pope's recovery prompted an outpouring of relief and gratitude from Catholics and well-wishers around the world.
@FrUgochukwu wrote:
"We thank God for this encouraging news about Pope Leo XIV's health. May God continue to strengthen him, restore his health, and sustain him in his ministry as the Successor of St. Peter."
@TayKingsleyc added:
"Thanks and Praise be to God almighty 🙏 he's worthy of our worship.. may God continue to strengthen him in good health and longevity in Jesus Name.. AMEN 🙏🙌"
@AnthonyJGranado kept it simple:
"Praise be to God."
@EdwardLewis58 wrote:
"Praise to God and to his mother for this great news alleluia"
@PeterMollerIII offered a more measured perspective:
"Great news to hear! I'm glad it was localized, and the silver lining of a situation like this is now they will much more closely monitor that area of his body."
Pope Leo XIV appoints Prof Mwania
TUKO.co.ke Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Prof. Patrick Mwania, C.S.Sp., the Vice Chancellor of Tangaza University in Nairobi, to serve on the International Theological Commission.
Mwania is among 30 members drawn from different parts of the world to serve a five-year term running from 2026 to 2031.
Tangaza University celebrated the appointment, describing it as an important acknowledgement of Mwania’s contribution to theological scholarship.
Source: TUKO.co.ke