BREAKING: Pope Leo has lung cancer, says Vatican

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed during surgery, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday.

The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, following tests conducted before and during the operation, according to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican.

The procedure took place at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where a surgical team led by the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, operated on the Pope.

The Vatican said the operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, although Leo spent about three hours in the operating room.

“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the statement said.

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The Vatican explained that removing the affected portion of the lung was necessary to achieve complete removal of the cancerous tissue.

“To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique,” the Vatican said in a statement. “Intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected from pre-operative tests.”

Following the operation, Leo recovered consciousness normally and was transferred to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.

According to the Vatican, the diagnosis had been suspected before the surgery and was confirmed through examination during the procedure.

Before entering the hospital, the Pope arrived through the main entrance and waved to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to greet him.

(CBS News)