Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican has confirmed.
The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, following tests conducted during surgery on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
According to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican, the operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications. The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique.
The diagnosis followed the Pope’s announcement during his Angelus address on Sunday, October 11, that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations.
He said the growth had been detected early and that his doctors had recommended surgery to remove it.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” the pontiff told the faithful, according to Vatican News.
The Vatican said Pope Leo regained consciousness normally after the operation and returned to his hospital room to recover.
He is expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week, while his public engagements have been cancelled until October 20.
However, the Vatican has not disclosed the stage of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the affected lung tissue, or whether additional treatment, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy, will be necessary.
Medical experts say the prognosis for lung adenocarcinoma depends on several factors, including the tumour’s size, its characteristics and whether cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, United States, became the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church when he was elected pontiff in May 2025.
His recovery and further medical assessments are expected to determine the next steps in his treatment.
Sources: Vatican News / Reuters, / CBS News and Agence France-Presse.
