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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where doctors confirmed that he has lung cancer. The Vatican announced that the surgical team removed the lower lobe of his right lung following the confirmation of a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
Details of the Surgical Procedure and Diagnosis
The Vatican's medical bulletin reported that preoperative tests had suspected a cancer diagnosis, which was subsequently confirmed during surgery. The operation, described as a lung lobe removal, was conducted by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, chief thoracic surgeon at Gemelli, along with his team. The entire process lasted about three hours, with 90 minutes dedicated to the actual surgery. The papal press office stated that there were no complications and described the removal as “radical,” indicating that all suspect tissue was excised in the hope of eliminating any remaining cancer.
No Immediate Plans for Further Cancer Treatment
The Vatican indicated there is no current plan for chemotherapy or additional therapies following the surgery. The focus remains on the radical removal of the affected lung tissue. Medical experts had previously stated that since the lung nodule was detected early and scheduled for prompt lung surgery, Pope Leo’s prognosis is considered “excellent.”
Pope’s Transparency and Health Background
Pope Leo XIV has chosen to be open about his papal health, sharing news of his condition with the public during his Sunday noon prayer prior to surgery. This marks the first major publicly disclosed health issue in his 17-month papacy. The 71-year-old American pontiff is known to lead an active lifestyle, participating in weekly tennis and swimming sessions.
This surgery is believed to be Pope Leo's second hospitalization in his lifetime. As a young missionary priest in 1985, he was hospitalized for typhoid fever while in Chulucanas, Peru—a pivotal moment that shaped his dedication to serving in difficult conditions and ultimately led to his rise in the Catholic Church. He recounted the experience in his 2025 biography, describing it as a turning point in his vocation.
Postoperative Recovery and Upcoming Schedule
The Vatican has canceled all of the pope’s audiences through October 20 to allow for postoperative recovery. Despite the ongoing renovations to the traditional papal apartment at Gemelli, Pope Leo will be staying in a nearby room during his recuperation. There has been no official announcement regarding his participation in the upcoming November trip to South America, which includes planned visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6–17. Experts advise patients not to fly for three weeks after major thoracic surgery, a timeline which could allow the pope to proceed with his travel plans if recovery continues without complications.
Understanding Lung Nodules and Early Stage Cancer
A lung nodule is defined as a small abnormal area, less than 3 centimeters in size, commonly found during CT scans of the chest. While such nodules can be benign, surgical removal is often necessary to determine if cancer is present and to treat it early, if localized. Leo’s case was characterized as early stage cancer, improving his prognosis.
Source: whnt.com.
