Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery in Rome, the Vatican confirmed Tuesday, October 13, in a major health development that has stunned Catholics around the world.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation at Agostino Gemelli Hospital, where surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors discovered a suspicious growth during recent medical examinations.

Tests performed during the procedure confirmed that the growth was lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

Despite the alarming diagnosis, Vatican officials said the surgery was successful and the pope was recovering without complications.

“The operation was successful and there were no complications,” Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said in an official medical statement.

The pope was in the operating room for approximately three hours, although the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes. After awakening normally from anesthesia, he was briefly monitored before returning to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.

The diagnosis comes just two days after Leo surprised thousands of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square by revealing that doctors had discovered a small nodule in his lung.

Speaking during his Sunday Angelus address, the pope explained that the abnormality had been found during recent medical examinations and appeared to be localized.

He said doctors had recommended removing it and asked the faithful to keep him in their prayers.

At the time, the Vatican had not publicly confirmed whether the growth was cancerous.

That changed Tuesday when doctors examined tissue during the operation and confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that develops in cells lining the lungs.

The Vatican said the diagnosis had already been suspected based on tests conducted before surgery.

The operation was led by Margaritora, the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon, using a minimally invasive video-assisted technique.

Removing an entire lower lobe of the right lung, a procedure known as a lobectomy, is a recognized surgical treatment for certain localized lung cancers.

Although doctors successfully removed the affected portion of the lung, further examinations will be necessary to determine whether additional treatment is required.

The Vatican has not announced the cancer’s precise stage or provided a long-term prognosis.

Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer and can develop in people who have never smoked. It is sometimes discovered during routine medical examinations before noticeable symptoms appear.

When detected early and completely removed, some patients have a favorable outlook. However, recovery and long-term outcomes depend on several factors, including the disease’s stage, laboratory findings and whether cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor.

For now, Vatican officials are focused on the pope’s recovery.

Leo is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week, and his public engagements have been canceled through October 20.

The hospitalization marks the first major publicly disclosed health crisis of his papacy, which began in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo became the first American pope when he was elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

His election made history and raised expectations for a new era at the Vatican following Francis’ 12-year papacy.

Before becoming pope, Leo spent many years working as a missionary and church leader in Peru, developing close ties to Latin America.

He has maintained an active schedule since his election, regularly meeting religious leaders, greeting pilgrims and traveling for official engagements.

The diagnosis has now forced a temporary pause in those duties.

Despite his hospitalization, Leo remains the head of the Catholic Church, and Vatican officials can continue routine administrative responsibilities during his recovery.

His upcoming November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru has not been canceled, although his ability to undertake international travel will depend on medical advice and his recovery.

The trip is particularly meaningful because of Leo’s longstanding connection to Peru, where he served for years before taking on senior responsibilities at the Vatican.

His medical emergency has also drawn attention to the history of papal health concerns.

Pope Francis experienced several serious illnesses and hospitalizations during the later years of his life, including respiratory problems that repeatedly forced him to reduce his public schedule.

Gemelli Hospital, where Leo underwent surgery, has a long association with papal medical care and has treated several pontiffs over the decades.

For millions of Catholics, the latest announcement brings both concern and cautious relief.

While the cancer diagnosis is serious, doctors reported no complications during surgery, and the pope was awake and recovering afterward.

The next major questions are whether additional tests reveal any remaining cancer and how quickly Leo can regain his strength.

As the Vatican awaits further medical findings, the world’s attention remains focused on Rome, where the first American pope is beginning his recovery after an unexpected cancer diagnosis.