Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Successful Surgery, Vatican Confirms

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent an operation at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, after doctors discovered a localised nodule during routine medical examinations.

A medical bulletin issued by the Vatican confirmed that tests identified the growth as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. The approximately 90-minute operation was completed successfully, with no complications reported. The Pope woke up normally after the procedure and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation.

Cancer Discovered During Routine Medical Checks

Pope Leo revealed on Sunday that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. He said the growth had been detected at a very early stage and that his doctors had recommended surgery to remove it.

Although lung nodules are not always cancerous, further examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected during pre-operative testing.

The Vatican said surgeons removed the entire lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung to ensure the procedure was thorough.

Further tests are expected to help establish whether the cancer has spread beyond the removed tissue. The Vatican has not provided a definitive long-term prognosis or confirmed what additional treatment, if any, will be required.

Pope Expected to Remain in Hospital for About a Week

Following the operation, Pope Leo was reported to be recovering in his room at Gemelli Hospital.

The Vatican expects him to remain in hospital for approximately one week, while his public engagements have been suspended through 20 October to allow him time to recover.

The pontiff had reportedly been feeling physically well before the operation, with the lung growth discovered during routine checks rather than after symptoms of a serious illness.

Messages of support and prayers have come from Catholics and religious leaders around the world following the announcement.

Cardinals Express Concern and Confidence in His Recovery

The diagnosis has prompted concern among senior figures in the Catholic Church.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin described the news as unexpected, while expressing confidence in the Pope’s calm response to the situation.

Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo also said he had met the pontiff shortly before the operation and reported that the Pope had not been feeling physically unwell.

Pope Leo’s decision to proceed with surgery promptly was also linked to his upcoming commitments, including a planned visit to Latin America in November. The trip is particularly significant because of his longstanding connection with Peru, where he served as a missionary and later as a bishop. Whether the visit will proceed as planned will depend on his recovery and medical advice.

Catholics Gather to Pray for the Pope

Outside Gemelli Hospital, Catholics and other well-wishers gathered to express their support for the pontiff.

The hospital has treated several popes in the past, including Pope John Paul II. Following the announcement of Leo’s surgery, faithful gathered to pray for his health and recovery.

The news has been especially emotional for some Catholics who had regarded the Pope as relatively young and active when he was elected in May 2025.

Despite the successful operation, the cancer diagnosis has raised questions about his recovery and future schedule. Church leaders and the faithful are now awaiting further medical updates from the Vatican.

What Is Lung Adenocarcinoma?

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a form of lung cancer that develops in glandular cells in the lung. It is a common type of lung cancer, and its treatment and outlook depend on factors including the tumour’s characteristics, whether it has spread and the patient’s overall health.

Although the Vatican has confirmed that the affected lung lobe was removed successfully, further medical information is needed to determine the full extent of the disease and whether additional treatment will be necessary.

Vatican Awaits Further Updates on the Pope’s Health

Pope Leo XIV’s successful surgery is an important initial development, but the full picture of his condition remains unclear while further assessments are carried out.

For now, the Vatican has confirmed that the operation was completed without complications and that the pontiff returned to his room after recovering from anaesthesia.

Catholics around the world continue to offer prayers and messages of encouragement as the head of the Catholic Church begins his recovery.

African360 News will continue to follow official updates on Pope Leo XIV’s health and recovery.

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