The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday evening that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, announcing that surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung during the operation at Rome’s Gemelli hospital — a diagnosis the Vatican said had been suspected before the surgery and was confirmed during the procedure.
FAKTA
- The diagnosis: Lung adenocarcinoma, suspected by preoperative tests and confirmed during surgery, according to a Vatican medical bulletin.
- The operation: The lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung was removed; he spent about three hours in the operating room, with the surgery itself lasting around 90 minutes.
- The outcome: “The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican said. The 71-year-old pontiff has returned to his room.
- Recovery: A hospital stay of about one week is expected; all audiences and public events are cancelled through October 20.
Pope Leo’s Lung Cancer: What the Vatican Bulletin Confirmed
The medical bulletin, issued after the Tuesday operation, brought the clarity the Vatican had promised earlier in the day. After the first statement confirmed only that the surgery had been completed “successfully, on schedule and as planned,” the evening update disclosed the diagnosis for the first time: lung adenocarcinoma, with the lower lobe of the right lung removed.
The 71-year-old pontiff had walked into Rome’s Gemelli hospital through the main entrance earlier on Tuesday, waving to dozens of well-wishers gathered to greet him. The operation was performed by a team led by the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora.
Medical experts cited in international coverage have noted that when a lung nodule is detected and removed at an early stage, the prognosis is considered excellent. Pope Leo himself disclosed the discovery of the nodule during his Sunday noon prayer, describing it as detected at a very early stage and well-contained.
A Rare Level of Openness About Papal Health
The American pontiff’s handling of the health scare has marked an unusual degree of transparency about papal health. He announced the discovery himself, explained his doctors’ advice, and the Vatican has issued regular updates through the Holy See Press Office — a departure from the secrecy that has often surrounded the health of popes in the past.
This is the first major health issue publicly disclosed in the 17 months of his papacy, which began on May 8, 2025.
What Happens Next
Pope Leo is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, and the Vatican has cancelled all his audiences through October 20. The Vatican has not announced any changes to his scheduled Latin America trip from November 6 to 17, which includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
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