Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, following successful surgery at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during an operation on Tuesday, October 13. The Vatican reported that the procedure was completed without complications, but the full extent of the disease and the possible need for further treatment remain unclear.
The 71 year old Pope underwent the operation after doctors detected a small nodule in his lung during medical examinations. The diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, which had been suspected before surgery, was confirmed when doctors examined tissue removed during the procedure.
The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes, although the Pope spent about three hours in the operating theatre. The operation was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, a specialist in thoracic surgery.
According to the Vatican, the Pope woke normally after the procedure and returned to his room on the hospital's tenth floor following a brief period of observation.
The surgery was performed with the aim of removing the cancerous tissue. However, the successful operation does not by itself confirm that the cancer has been completely eliminated or that no further treatment will be necessary.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a form of lung cancer that develops from glandular cells. A lung nodule can have different causes, and its discovery alone does not necessarily mean that it is cancerous. In the Pope's case, the diagnosis was confirmed through examination of the tissue removed during surgery.
The cancer's stage and whether it has spread to other parts of the body have not been established in the information released by the Vatican. These details are important in determining the most appropriate treatment and assessing the patient's recovery.
The Vatican has not announced whether further treatment will be needed. Additional medical assessments are expected to help doctors determine the next steps in his care.
Although the immediate surgical outcome was reported as positive, it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the Pope's longer term medical outlook. Further information from his medical team will be important in understanding his condition.
The Vatican expects the Pope to remain in hospital for about a week. His public engagements have been cancelled through October 20 to allow him time to recover.
A specific discharge date has not been confirmed in the information available. His return to public duties will depend on his recovery and medical advice.
The operation has also raised questions about the Pope's planned visit to South America in November. The visit is scheduled to include Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17.
The effect of the surgery on the trip remains uncertain. No confirmed announcement has established that the visit has been cancelled or that the Pope will travel as planned.
Further updates on his recovery and medical condition will help clarify whether any changes to his schedule are necessary.
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. He said his doctors had recommended surgery to remove it and that he had decided to follow their advice.
At that stage, the nature of the nodule had not been publicly confirmed. The subsequent operation and examination of the tissue established the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
The development has changed the focus from a planned surgical procedure to a confirmed cancer diagnosis. The Vatican has provided details of the operation and the Pope's immediate condition, but further information will be needed to clarify the extent of the disease and the course of treatment.
Pope Leo XIV was elected in May 2025 and became the head of the Catholic Church. His health is closely followed by Catholics and people around the world because of his religious leadership and international responsibilities.
For now, the confirmed facts are that the Pope has undergone surgery, the operation was successful without reported complications, and examination of the removed tissue identified lung adenocarcinoma. His medical outlook, the possible need for further treatment and the timing of his return to public duties remain uncertain.
Tighten repeated medical explanationsClarify the confirmed facts and uncertainties