Pope Leo XIV, 71, had part of his right lung removed Tuesday. Vatican says doctors found lung cancer
ROME – Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery Tuesday at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and the Vatican said a tissue examination during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The Holy See Press Office said the diagnosis was consistent with findings from tests before surgery. Surgeons used a video-assisted technique, and the Vatican said the operation was successful and had no complications.
The pope spent about three hours in the operating room, though the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes, according to a statement signed by doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora. The statement said he woke normally and, after a brief observation period, returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor. The Vatican did not release other details in the statement.
Leo, 71, first disclosed the lump on Sunday after his Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square. He said doctors found it at a very early stage and in a well-situated location, and that after their advice he decided to have it removed. He thanked the public for their prayers. Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer.
Leo, the first American pope, was elected in May 2025 and had no previously known health problems. The Associated Press has reported that he regularly plays tennis and swims. He is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17, and it is unclear whether the surgery and recovery will affect those plans.