Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer After Successful Surgery in Rome

Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in a 90-minute procedure at Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on 13 October 2026.

The Vatican said the operation confirmed what preoperative tests had indicated. The 71-year-old pontiff, elected in May 2025, had disclosed the presence of a small, localised nodule during his Angelus address on 11 October. He said doctors had found it at a very early stage and recommended intervention.

Professor Stefano Margaritora, chief of thoracic surgery at Gemelli, led the team. The procedure used a video-assisted technique. The Holy Father spent roughly three hours in the operating room. He regained consciousness normally and returned to a room on the tenth floor. The Vatican reported no complications.

Gemelli has a long association with the papacy. John Paul II was treated there after the 1981 assassination attempt and again in his final weeks. Francis also received care at the hospital. Leo entered through the main entrance earlier on Tuesday and waved to people waiting outside.

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is the most common form of non-small-cell lung cancer. When detected early and removed with a margin of surrounding tissue, the prognosis is generally favourable. The Vatican has not yet said whether additional treatment such as chemotherapy will be required. Further tests on the removed tissue and checks for spread are expected in the coming days.

The pope is expected to remain at the hospital for about one week. His schedule will be adjusted during recovery. The first public medical disclosure of this kind in his 17-month papacy has drawn attention to the relative openness of the Holy See under Leo compared with some earlier periods.

The surgery took place against a backdrop of continued global conflicts, including fighting between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen and ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Vatican has not linked the health update to any specific diplomatic activity.

Early post-operative results are due late on 14 October. The absence of immediate complications and the early-stage detection give the medical team a clear baseline for the next phase of monitoring.