Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, according to the Vatican.
The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, following an examination of the affected tissue during the operation. The procedure was completed without complications, and the Pope regained consciousness normally before returning to his hospital room.
According to the Vatican’s medical statement, the Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, while the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes. Doctors used a video-assisted surgical technique to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff had earlier disclosed that doctors discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during medical examinations. Following medical advice, he agreed to undergo surgery to remove the abnormal growth.
On Wednesday, October 14, the Vatican reported that the Pope had spent a calm night at the hospital following the operation. He remains under medical observation, with his recovery expected to take approximately one week.
However, the Vatican has not provided a definitive assessment of the cancer’s stage or disclosed whether further treatment will be required. Additional medical evaluations are expected to help determine the next steps in his care.
The Pope’s public audiences have been suspended through October 20 to allow him to recover. The status of his planned November visit to South America has not been definitively clarified in the available reports.
Pope Leo XIV, who became head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, is expected to remain under medical supervision as doctors monitor his recovery and assess whether additional treatment is necessary.Five Alternative Professional Headlines
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