Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after successful surgery

Pope Leo XIV is recovering after a surgical procedure on Oct. 13 that removed a small nodule from his right lung and revealed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of non-small-cell lung cancer. The Vatican said the operation was completed without complications and that the pope awoke normally, returning to his room after a brief observation period.

The surgery was performed by a team at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, who removed the lower lobe of the pope's right lung. Tissue tests confirmed the pre-operative indications of cancer. The Vatican announced that the pope would remain in the hospital for a week to recover.

All public engagements have been cancelled through Oct. 20. The pope is slated for an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru beginning Nov. 6.

Dr. Diego Avella-Patiño of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center said patients typically recover from this type of surgery within two to three weeks, though recovery depends on overall health. He noted that the removal of lung tissue suggests doctors believe the cancer is in an early stage and that test results are expected within about a week.

Lung-cancer specialist Dr. Stephen Liu explained that prognosis hinges on the cancer’s stage and whether lymph nodes are involved. > "If this is a small lung cancer with no lymph nodes involved, surgery itself is likely to be curative," Liu said. > "But if final analysis reveals a greater extent of cancer involvement, this indicates a poorer prognosis."