Pope Leon XIV has successfully undergone surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors discovered a cancerous nodule. The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the procedure took place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, with tissue tests confirming the diagnosis during the surgery, as reported by Reuters and The New York Times.
Pope Leon was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for the procedure, which was prompted by a recent medical examination that revealed the lung issue. The Vatican initially confirmed that the surgery was successful before releasing detailed information from the chief surgeon, Professor Stefano Margaritora, who leads the thoracic surgery department at Gemelli.
According to Professor Margaritora’s statement, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique to ensure a curative intervention. A rapid intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, which was suspected from preoperative tests.
The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications. Following the operation, Pope Leon woke up in normal condition and is currently resting in his hospital room.
The Vatican did not provide further details regarding the procedure. Pope Leon left the Vatican shortly before 1:00 PM local time, waving to officials and well-wishers during his approximately five-mile journey to the hospital.
Upon his arrival, he greeted numerous officials and waved to supporters who were gathered outside, some shouting “Auguri!” (Best wishes) as he entered the medical facility.
The Vatican indicated earlier this week that Pope Leon is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week, with all of his public events canceled until October 20.
Selected by cardinals worldwide in May 2025, Pope Leon is considered relatively young for a Catholic leader, enjoys sports like tennis, and does not have a history of smoking or significant recent health issues.
His predecessor, the late Pope Francis, had multiple hospitalizations as his health declined over the years, passing away at the age of 88 in April 2025.
Pope Leon has a packed schedule ahead, including an 11-day visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17.
The Pope serves as the supreme earthly authority for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and does not have a deputy to assume his responsibilities during illness. When a pope is unable to fulfill his duties, the Vatican’s extensive bureaucracy continues as usual, delaying any decisions requiring papal approval.
Pope Leon, born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955, has served for decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru prior to his papacy. In 1985, he fell ill with typhoid fever while in Chulucanas, Peru, and was hospitalized. He recounted this experience in a significant interview published in a book by Penguin Peru, mentioning that the pain was so intense he asked God to take his life to end his suffering. He viewed his survival as a sign from God that “We need you here (on Earth),” a sentiment he reflected on with gratitude.
“I never looked back,” Pope Leon shared about this pivotal moment in his life.
