Vatican Confirms Pope Leo XIV Underwent Lung Surgery, Diagnosed with Cancer
The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV had a portion of his right lung removed during surgery, confirming a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
The Vatican released a medical bulletin on Tuesday confirming that Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, during which doctors identified lung adenocarcinoma. Pre-operative tests had suggested the condition, and intra-operative histological examination verified the diagnosis.
The procedure, performed by a team led by Gemelli Hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora, lasted about 90 minutes within a three-hour operating period. The Vatican statement said the surgery was successful, with no complications, and that the Pope regained consciousness normally before being returned to his room on the 10th floor of the hospital.
Following the operation, the Vatican cancelled all papal audiences through Oct. 20 and has not confirmed whether the Pope will proceed with a planned trip to South America next month. Although the hospital’s dedicated papal apartment is under renovation, the Pope is staying in a nearby room.
"The surgery was successful, and there were no complications," the Vatican statement read.
The Vatican indicated that the diagnosis had been suspected before surgery and was confirmed during the operation.