Vatican City, Oct 2026 : Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, the Vatican has confirmed.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the approximately 90-minute procedure after doctors detected a localised lung nodule during recent medical examinations. According to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican, the suspected diagnosis was confirmed through examinations conducted during the operation.
The surgery was completed successfully without complications. Pope Leo regained consciousness normally after the procedure and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation, the Vatican said.
On October 11, the Pope had disclosed that doctors had discovered a growth in his lung during routine medical assessments. He said the nodule had been detected at an early stage and was well localised. Acting on medical advice, he decided to undergo surgery to remove the affected portion of the lung.
Pope Leo is expected to remain hospitalised for approximately one week to recover from the operation. His public engagements have been cancelled until October 20 to allow him sufficient time to recuperate.
Further medical evaluations are expected to establish whether the cancer has spread and determine if additional treatment will be necessary. The Vatican has not yet provided a detailed prognosis or announced a definitive treatment plan.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a common subtype of lung cancer that develops in glandular cells, often in the outer regions of the lungs. Treatment and recovery prospects depend on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the extent of its spread and the patient's overall health.
The diagnosis represents a significant health development for Pope Leo XIV, who began his papacy in May 2025. The Vatican has indicated that his immediate priority will be recovery following surgery, while further assessments will guide decisions regarding his ongoing medical care.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
