Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has confirmed. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with doctors confirming a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican said the surgery was successful and that no complications were recorded.
Key Highlights
- Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
- The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on October 13, 2026, at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
- Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
- The Vatican said the operation lasted about 90 minutes and ended without complications.
- The cancer diagnosis was confirmed during surgery after it had been suspected in preoperative tests.
- The Pope’s public engagements have been cancelled through October 20 to allow him to recover.
- The Vatican has not provided full details of any additional treatment he may require.
Vatican Confirms Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis
The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis in a medical bulletin issued after the Pope underwent thoracic surgery at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome.
According to the report, doctors had suspected cancer during preoperative examinations. An examination of the removed tissue during the operation confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.
The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung to remove the tumour. The Vatican said the operation proceeded as planned, with no complications reported.
The Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the surgical procedure itself lasted about 90 minutes. He regained consciousness normally and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation.
Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Surgery at Gemelli Hospital
The Pope arrived at the hospital on Tuesday through its main entrance, where he waved to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to greet him.
The operation was conducted by a medical team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon.
The surgery followed the discovery of a localised lung nodule during recent medical examinations. Pope Leo had publicly disclosed the finding during his Sunday Angelus address on October 11, explaining that his doctors had recommended an operation to remove it.
At the time, the Pope described the nodule as small and localised and said it had been detected at an early stage. The subsequent examination of the tissue confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
Doctors Await Further Decisions on Treatment
The diagnosis has raised questions about the Pope’s recovery and whether additional cancer treatment will be necessary.
Although the surgery was reported as successful, the Vatican has not provided comprehensive details about the tumour’s characteristics, whether further treatment is planned or the full outlook for his recovery.
The diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma alone does not establish the complete stage of the disease or determine whether surgery will be the only treatment required. Further medical assessment will help guide any subsequent decisions.
Vatican Cancels Papal Audiences Through October 20
The Vatican has cancelled the Pope’s scheduled public engagements through October 20, 2026, to give him time to recover from the operation.
The pontiff is expected to remain under medical supervision at Gemelli Hospital during the initial recovery period.
Although the hospital has a dedicated papal apartment previously used by other pontiffs, reports indicate that Leo is expected to stay in a hospital room while the apartment undergoes renovations.
The Vatican has not announced a final decision on whether the Pope’s planned November trip to South America will proceed as scheduled.
Read also:
- Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Successful Lung Nodule Surgery, Cancels Engagements Until October 20
- Pope Leo XIV To Undergo Surgery After Lung Nodule Is Discovered
- Pope Leo XIV Draws Hundreds of Thousands to Open-Air Mass in Paris
Pope Leo XIV’s Health Becomes Major Vatican Development
The diagnosis represents a significant health development during Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, which began in May 2025 after his election as head of the Catholic Church.
The American-born pontiff had publicly disclosed the discovery of the lung nodule before undergoing surgery, providing an update on his condition ahead of the operation.
For now, attention remains on his recovery, the outcome of further medical assessments and any additional treatment that may be recommended.
The Vatican has confirmed that the surgery was successful and free of complications, but further information will be needed to establish the full implications of the diagnosis for the Pope’s health and future schedule.
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