Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery in Rome to remove a nodule from his right lung, with the Vatican confirming that the operation was successful and without complications.
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The Vatican announced on Tuesday that an intraoperative examination of the nodule confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer that had already been suspected following pre-operative tests.
“To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique,” the Vatican said, adding that histological examination carried out during the operation confirmed the diagnosis.
The surgical procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the 71-year-old pontiff spent about three hours in the operating room at the Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome.
“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican said.
Leo regained consciousness normally after the procedure and was subsequently returned to his hospital room. He is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for about a week while doctors monitor his recovery.
The Vatican had earlier cancelled all of the Pope’s audiences until October 20 to allow him time to recuperate.
The diagnosis follows an announcement by Leo during his Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square that doctors had discovered what he described as a “very early-stage and well-localized” nodule during recent medical examinations and recommended surgery.
“The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it,” the Pope told worshippers, while thanking them for their prayers and spiritual support.
Although the Vatican has confirmed that the nodule was cancerous, it has not disclosed the formal stage of the disease, whether lymph nodes were involved or whether the cancer had spread beyond the affected portion of the lung.
It has also not announced whether Leo will require chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or any other treatment following surgery. Further postoperative and histological examinations are expected to provide doctors with more information.
Medical specialists have noted that lung adenocarcinoma is one of the most common forms of lung cancer and that outcomes vary considerably depending on its stage, whether it has spread and the patient’s overall health.
The circumstances disclosed so far — including the apparently localised nodule and doctors’ decision to remove the affected lower lobe surgically — have prompted some specialists to suggest that the cancer may have been discovered relatively early. However, the Vatican has not formally announced a cancer stage.
Leo, who was elected in May 2025 and became the first American Pope, has maintained an active schedule throughout the first year and a half of his papacy.
He had been expected to travel to South America beginning in early November. A Vatican spokesperson said before the operation that the travel plans had not changed, although his recovery from surgery and subsequent medical assessment could determine whether the trip ultimately proceeds as scheduled.
The Vatican said the operation was led by Gemelli Hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora.
The Pope arrived at the hospital earlier on Tuesday, waving from his vehicle to well-wishers gathered outside.
His hospitalisation has also prompted messages of support from political and religious figures. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and his wife were “united in prayer” for Leo and prayed for strength for the Pope and guidance for the medical professionals treating him.
Leo’s diagnosis comes as one of his two brothers, Louis Prevost, is also receiving treatment for cancer in the United States.
Louis Prevost’s wife, Deborah, said her husband has multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, and is participating in a clinical trial after falling out of remission. She said Pope Leo had spoken with his brother before the surgery and informed the family about his own medical situation.
“He called to let us know what would be happening,” she said, adding that the family was continuing to pray for both brothers.
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