Pope Leo XIV has lower right lung lobe removed in cancer surgery

The surgery was performed at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, with medical specialists removing the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted technique.

Vatican News reported that a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, citing Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, confirmed that an examination conducted during the operation established the cancer diagnosis.

“An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the preoperative examinations,” the doctors said.

Statue of St. John Paul II in front the Gemelli Hospital in Rome (ANSA)

The procedure was aimed at removing the affected lung tissue completely. The operation was successful, and the medical team reported no complications.

Although Pope Leo spent approximately three hours in the operating room, the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes. He regained consciousness normally and returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor after a short period of observation.

According to Vatican News, doctors will carry out additional tests on the removed tissue in the coming days as part of the Pope’s post-operative assessment.

The Holy See has maintained its previously announced plan for a one-week hospital stay, with no changes communicated following the operation.

Pope Leo XIV has lower right lung lobe removed in cancer surgery

The Vatican Press Office is expected to provide further information on the Pope’s recovery and any new test results.

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, said Pope Leo requested dinner after the operation and spent the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff.

Professor Margaritora led the surgical team, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella. The anaesthesia team comprised Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr Giovanni Punzo and Dr Giuseppe Bello.