Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer, Undergoes Surgery to Remove Part of Right Lung
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Vatican City, Oct 14: Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, and underwent surgery to remove part of his right lung, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors discovered a lung nodule during routine medical checks.
Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago-born head of the Roman Catholic Church, has maintained a relatively active lifestyle, including swimming and playing tennis. His latest hospitalisation marks a significant health development during his 17-month papacy.
The surgery was completed successfully, according to the Vatican, and the Pope returned to his hospital room following the procedure. The operation was led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, chief thoracic surgeon at Gemelli Hospital.
Adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer, which generally grows more slowly than other types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 80% of all lung cancer cases, according to the American Lung Association. The Pope is not known to have a history of smoking.
The surgery is expected to require a hospital stay of approximately one week. The Vatican has cancelled all of Pope Leo XIV’s audiences through October 20 to allow him time to recover.
It remains unclear whether he will require additional treatment or when he will resume his official duties. His upcoming overseas visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, scheduled for November 6–17, could also be affected depending on his recovery.
Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) October 11, 2026
Tokyo Cardinal Kikuchi Tsutomu, who met the Pope on Monday, said Leo had told him that he felt well and had opted for surgery promptly to avoid disrupting his future travel plans.
The announcement has prompted prayers and messages of support from Catholic leaders and believers worldwide. Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York expressed gratitude that the surgery had been successful and said people across the archdiocese and around the world were praying for the Pope’s recovery.
Before the operation, medical staff gathered to recite the rosary at the hospital chapel. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar of Rome, also led prayers for the Pope and other hospitalised patients.