Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Adenocarcinoma After Surgeons Remove Lower Lobe of Right Lung

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgeons removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung during a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday. The Vatican issued a medical bulletin late on 13 October stating that the procedure was successful and that the pontiff awoke normally with no complications.

The 71-year-old American-born pope walked into the hospital earlier in the day and waved to well-wishers gathered outside. Pre-operative tests had raised suspicions of a nodule found during a routine check. Leo himself announced the need for surgery from the balcony of St Peter’s Square after the Angelus on 11 October, describing the growth as contained and detected at a very early stage.

Surgeons led by Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, used a video-assisted technique. The bulletin said the full lower lobe was removed “to ensure the procedure was radical” and to eliminate all cancerous tissue. The pope spent roughly three hours in the operating area. After a brief observation period he returned to his room on the 10th floor.

Further tests are under way to determine whether the cancer has spread. The Vatican has not mentioned chemotherapy or other treatments at this stage. Leo’s public schedule is cleared until 20 October to allow recovery. He has said he intends to keep a planned trip to Latin America in early November.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer and accounts for about 40 percent of all lung cancer cases. It typically grows more slowly than small-cell variants. Early detection and complete surgical removal of a localized tumor are associated with higher survival rates, though individual outcomes depend on staging results still pending.

The diagnosis marks the first major publicly disclosed health issue of Leo’s 17-month papacy. Previous popes have faced prolonged hospital stays at the same facility. Gemelli has long served as the preferred hospital for pontiffs because of its specialised thoracic and intensive-care capacity.

Reaction from Catholic communities has focused on the transparency of the announcement. Leo chose to speak about the nodule himself rather than leave the disclosure to the press office. Hospital staff greeted him on arrival, and he exchanged brief words with them before the procedure.

Doctors have not released a full prognosis. Early post-operative exams are expected around 14 October. The pope remains under observation while pathologists examine the removed tissue. His personal physician, Luigi Carbone, and the surgical team described the operation as having proceeded according to plan.

The Vatican press office confirmed that Leo regained consciousness without difficulty and is resting. No visitors have been announced beyond medical staff. The interruption to his diary is limited for now, but any need for additional therapy would extend the recovery window beyond the current clearance date.

This development arrives during a period of relative stability in the Holy See’s external relations. The pope’s decision to proceed quickly with surgery appears linked to his desire to maintain the November travel schedule. Officials have not indicated any change to that itinerary pending the results of the remaining tests.

For the moment the focus remains on the successful removal of the lobe and the confirmation of adenocarcinoma. The next medical bulletin is expected to clarify whether further intervention is required. Until then Leo stays at Gemelli, where the same hospital has treated earlier popes through far longer stays.