The 71-year-old pontiff underwent successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors detected a cancerous growth. His public appearances are canceled through October 20.
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The Vatican confirmed that doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after discovering a suspicious growth during a routine medical examination.
The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis by examining tissue during the operation, supporting findings from medical tests performed before the procedure.
The Vatican reported that the surgery was successful and there were no complications. Leo regained consciousness normally after the operation and returned to his hospital room for recovery.
The diagnosis marks the first major health concern publicly disclosed since Leo became pope in May 2025. His medical condition has prompted prayers from Catholics worldwide and questions about his upcoming schedule.
Doctors Remove Part of Pope’s Right Lung
The surgery was performed by a thoracic surgical team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora at Gemelli Hospital, a medical institution with a long history of treating Catholic pontiffs.
According to the Vatican’s medical statement, surgeons used a video-assisted technique to remove the lower lobe of Leo’s right lung. This approach uses a small camera and specialized instruments to perform surgery through relatively small incisions.
The procedure itself lasted approximately 90 minutes, although the pope spent about three hours in the operating room. The operation was completed as planned without reported complications.
Doctors examined tissue during surgery and confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in glandular cells lining the lungs. The Vatican said the findings were consistent with suspicions raised during earlier examinations.
Following a short observation period, Leo was transferred to his room on the hospital’s tenth floor. He was awake and recovering normally, and the Vatican reported that he was able to eat dinner after the operation.
The medical team included specialists in thoracic surgery and anesthesia. Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella assisted with the surgical procedure.
Gemelli Hospital has treated several popes, including John Paul II and Francis. The hospital is particularly well known for its specialized medical services and its longstanding relationship with the Vatican.
Pope Revealed Lung Nodule Before Surgery
Leo had publicly disclosed the discovery of a lung nodule during his Sunday Angelus address on October 11.
Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, he explained that doctors had discovered a small, localized growth during recent medical examinations. He said they believed surgery was the appropriate course of action because the abnormality had been detected early.
The pope also thanked supporters for their prayers and spiritual closeness.
At the time, the Vatican had not publicly confirmed that the growth was cancerous. That information became available following the October 13 operation and examination of the removed tissue.
The announcement represented an unusual degree of openness about a sitting pope’s medical condition. Previous pontiffs have often faced intense public interest in their health, particularly when hospitalizations affected their ability to carry out official duties.
Leo’s decision to announce the planned surgery before entering the hospital gave the public advance notice of the procedure.
On Tuesday, he arrived at Gemelli Hospital and acknowledged people who had gathered outside. Photographs showed him greeting well-wishers before being admitted for surgery.
Later that evening, the Vatican released the medical findings and confirmed that he was resting.
Understanding the Pope’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer. It develops in cells associated with the production of substances such as mucus within the lungs.
The disease can occur in people who have never smoked, although smoking remains an important risk factor for lung cancer overall.
Leo is not known to have smoked, and there has been no official indication that tobacco use contributed to his diagnosis.
Doctors often recommend surgery when a lung tumor appears localized and can be safely removed. The extent of surgery depends on factors such as the tumor’s location, size and the patient’s overall health.
Removing an entire lung lobe is called a lobectomy. The procedure is an established treatment for certain lung cancers, particularly when doctors believe the disease can be removed surgically.
However, the pope’s exact cancer stage has not been publicly disclosed.
Determining the stage usually requires information about the tumor’s size and whether cancer cells have reached nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
The Vatican has not released those details. It has also not announced whether Leo will require chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation or other treatment.
Medical specialists may examine additional tissue following surgery to help determine whether further care is necessary. Those findings can influence treatment recommendations and the schedule for follow-up examinations.
Although the growth was reportedly detected at an early stage, the available information does not establish whether surgery alone will be sufficient.
Public Appearances Canceled During Recovery
The Vatican has canceled the pope’s public audiences and engagements through October 20 to allow him time to recover.
Doctors expect the initial hospital recovery period to last approximately one week, although his discharge will depend on his progress.
According to reporting by NPR and The Associated Press, Leo’s medical team has emphasized the importance of monitoring his recovery before determining the next steps.
Surgery involving the lungs requires careful postoperative observation. Doctors typically monitor breathing, pain, healing and possible complications before allowing a patient to return home.
Recovery after a lobectomy can continue for weeks beyond the initial hospital stay. The pace varies according to the patient’s health, the surgical method and other medical circumstances.
Leo had maintained an active lifestyle before his diagnosis. He has been known to enjoy tennis and horseback riding and has spent time at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
His health had generally attracted less attention than that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who experienced recurring respiratory problems during his papacy.
Leo previously served as a missionary in Peru and spent much of his religious career working in Latin America before becoming the first American pope.
November Latin America Visit Remains on Schedule
The Vatican has not announced the cancellation of Leo’s planned November 6–17 trip to Latin America.
The visit is scheduled to include Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, where Leo spent many years as a missionary and later served in senior Church positions.
The journey would carry particular personal significance because of his longstanding connection to Peru. The country remains closely associated with his religious career and his work with local Catholic communities.
Whether he can complete the visit as planned will depend partly on his recovery and medical advice.
International papal visits involve demanding schedules, including lengthy flights, public ceremonies, meetings with government officials and large gatherings of worshippers.
The Vatican has not yet announced changes to the itinerary. It is also unclear when Leo will resume his normal public schedule after leaving the hospital.
During his recovery, routine Vatican administration can continue through senior officials, including Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The pope remains the head of the Catholic Church while hospitalized. His temporary inability to attend public events does not automatically transfer papal authority to another official.
Vatican Awaits Further Medical Findings
Leo’s diagnosis has brought renewed attention to the health of a sitting pope and the medical decisions that may affect his leadership.
Unlike many world leaders, the pope serves for life unless he voluntarily resigns. Catholic Church law does not provide a straightforward process for transferring papal authority when a pontiff is temporarily incapacitated.
For now, the Vatican has indicated that normal administrative operations will continue while Leo recovers.
The immediate medical outlook remains dependent on further examination of the removed tissue and monitoring of his condition after surgery.
The Vatican has not provided a long-term prognosis or confirmed whether additional cancer treatment will be required.
Leo is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week, with public engagements canceled through October 20. Further medical updates will help determine when he can return to his regular duties and whether his November journey to Latin America can proceed as scheduled.
IMAGE: Source https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pope_Leo_XIV_7.png Author Edgar Beltrán, The Pillar CC4