VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said Tuesday evening.
The 71 year old pontiff underwent the procedure at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. Doctors said the operation was completed as planned without complications.
A press release issued by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon, said an examination of tissue during surgery confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.
The pope first disclosed the lung problem during his Angelus address on Sunday, Oct. 11, saying medical examinations had identified a small, localized nodule in his lung. Doctors had recommended its removal, and he asked the faithful to pray for him.
According to the Vatican, the nodule was detected during routine medical checks. The pope arrived at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon and underwent a procedure that lasted about 90 minutes.
He is expected to remain in hospital for about a week. His scheduled public and private audiences have been canceled through Oct. 20 to allow time for recovery.
Medical experts say surgery can offer a favorable outlook when lung adenocarcinoma is detected early and completely removed. However, the pope’s prognosis and any need for further treatment will depend on detailed examination of the removed tissue and lymph nodes.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago on Sept. 14, 1955, Leo became the first American born pope when he was elected on May 8, 2025. Before his election, he served as a missionary in Peru and held senior positions in the Vatican under Pope Francis.
The diagnosis is a major publicly disclosed health challenge during his papacy. The Vatican has not announced whether additional treatment will be necessary.
Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in early November. The Vatican has not said whether his recovery will affect the planned trip.
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