Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday, October 13. Doctors removed part of his right lung during surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The 71-year-old pope has lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. Tests during the operation confirmed the diagnosis.
Doctors found the growth during a recent routine medical check.
The operation lasted about 90 minutes. The Vatican said the doctors completed the surgery without complications.
Doctors Share Details About Pope Leo’s Health
Dr. Stefano Margaritora led the surgery, while Dr. Luigi Carbone serves as the pope’s personal physician.
The medical team removed the lower part of his right lung. Doctors used a camera-assisted method to remove the cancerous tissue.
Pope Leo woke up normally after surgery. He later returned to his hospital room to rest.
The Vatican has not shared the stage of his cancer. It has also not said whether the disease has reached nearby lymph nodes.
Dr. Stephen Liu, a cancer specialist at Georgetown University, told Reuters that these details will help doctors assess his condition.
Liu explained that surgery may cure the disease if the cancer is small and has not spread.
Pope Leo Cancels Public Events Until October 20
The Vatican expects Pope Leo to spend about a week in the hospital.
His team has canceled all public events through October 20.
The pope also plans to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November. The Vatican has not confirmed whether the trip will go ahead.
Leo XIV became pope in May 2025. He was born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955, making him the first American pope.
Before his election, he spent many years working as a priest and bishop in Peru.
Pope Leo leads the Catholic Church, which has about 1.4 billion members worldwide.
The Vatican will continue its daily work during his recovery. Officials may delay decisions that need the pope’s approval.
