VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV is recovering in hospital after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, following confirmation that he has pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13. The Vatican said the procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed successfully without complications.
The diagnosis was confirmed through an examination of tissue removed during surgery, after earlier medical tests had raised suspicions of cancer.
The pope had announced on Sunday that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. He said the condition had been detected early and that he had decided to follow medical advice to have it removed.
Following the operation, the pontiff returned to his hospital room, where he is expected to remain for about a week. The Vatican has cancelled his public audiences and other scheduled engagements through October 20 as he recovers.
Doctors are awaiting further test results to establish the extent of the disease, including whether cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes. The findings will help determine whether the pope requires additional treatment.
The Vatican has not announced plans for chemotherapy or other cancer therapies, saying further medical assessments are needed before decisions can be made.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common type of non-small cell lung cancer. Although surgery can be an effective treatment when the disease is localised, the long-term outlook depends on the cancer’s stage and whether it has spread.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first American pope following his election in May 2025. Before becoming pontiff, he spent years serving the Catholic Church in Peru and held leadership positions within the Augustinian order.
His hospitalisation has also raised questions about his upcoming international commitments, including a planned visit to South America in November. The Vatican has not announced any changes to the trip.
For now, the focus remains on the pope’s recovery and the results of further examinations, which will provide a clearer picture of his condition and the treatment he may need.
