Pope Leo XIV, the 71-year-old head of the Catholic Church, has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The surgery, which was carried out using a video-assisted technique, involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. According to the Vatican's medical bulletin, the procedure was performed by a surgical team led by Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at the hospital.
The surgery was necessitated by a lung nodule that was discovered during recent medical examinations. Pope Leo XIV had disclosed during his weekly Angelus address at St Peter's Square on Sunday that doctors had recommended the removal of the growth, which was detected at an early stage and was well localised. The Pope had decided to follow his doctors' advice and undergo surgery.
The Vatican's medical bulletin reported that tissue tests conducted during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. The rapid examination of tissue samples taken during the operation confirmed the diagnosis, which was suspected from tests conducted before the surgery. The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications.
Pope Leo XIV woke up normally and was resting in his hospital room after the procedure. He is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, while his public engagements have been cancelled until October 20 to allow him to recover. The Vatican had earlier announced that the operation was successful.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in cells responsible for producing substances such as mucus. The outlook for patients with this type of cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease and whether it has spread. The Vatican has not yet provided further details about the stage of the cancer or whether additional treatment will be required.
Pope Leo XIV was elected head of the Catholic Church in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, becoming the first American to occupy the papacy. The diagnosis and treatment of the Pope's condition have been closely followed by the Catholic community and the general public.
The Pope's surgery and diagnosis have raised awareness about lung cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment. The Catholic Church has not released further details about the Pope's condition or treatment plan, but it is expected that he will resume his duties after his recovery.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
- The surgery was successful, and the Pope is expected to recover within a week.
- The outlook for patients with lung adenocarcinoma depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease and whether it has spread.
