Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Following Successful Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with cancer following a surgical procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican. Preoperative tests had already indicated the possibility of cancer, and subsequent tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

The Vatican stated that the 90-minute surgery, performed on October 13, 2026, at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital, was successful and without complications. The 71-year-old pontiff has returned to his hospital room and is expected to recuperate for a week, leading to the cancellation of all his audiences through October 20.

Doctors are currently awaiting the results of further tests before discussing potential treatments such as chemotherapy. The Holy See’s press office highlighted the “radical” removal of the lobe as a positive sign that surgeons had excised all suspect tissue, aiming to eliminate any remaining traces of the cancer.

Prior to the operation, Pope Leo XIV was seen waving to well-wishers outside the hospital. In a rare update on his health, he had previously announced the discovery of a small nodule during his Sunday noon prayer in St Peter’s Square, stating his decision to undergo surgery based on medical advice.

The Pope, who has no known history of serious illness and maintains an active lifestyle, is scheduled for an official Latin America tour from November 6-17, with planned visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. It remains uncertain whether his recovery period will impact this itinerary, which includes numerous flights and significant altitude changes in Peru. However, the Pope has expressed his intention to proceed with the journey.