The 71-year-old pontiff reportedly underwent a 90-minute operation in Rome to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors detected a growth during routine medical examinations.
Pope Leo XIV has reportedly been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, raising concerns about the health of the leader of the Catholic Church.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after tests indicated that a growth discovered during routine medical examinations could be cancerous.
A medical bulletin attributed to the Vatican confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.
The operation reportedly lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications. According to the account, the Pope regained consciousness normally and returned to his hospital room after a brief period of observation.
Vatican Confirms Cancer Diagnosis
The reported diagnosis followed an examination of tissue taken during surgery, which was said to have confirmed suspicions raised by tests conducted before the procedure.
The medical team had reportedly discovered the growth during routine health checks. Although lung nodules are not always cancerous, further examination is needed to establish whether a growth is malignant.
Before the reported operation, Leo had described the growth as localised and detected at an early stage. The account states that he announced the planned procedure during his traditional Sunday Angelus address in St Peter’s Square on 11 October.
The Pope reportedly said his doctors had recommended surgery and that he had decided to follow their advice.
Further tests would be important in determining whether the cancer had spread beyond the affected part of his lung. The results would also help doctors establish his prognosis and whether additional treatment was necessary.
Pope Expected to Remain in Hospital for a Week
Leo was reportedly expected to spend about a week recovering at Gemelli Hospital, which has treated several popes over the years.
His public schedule was said to have been adjusted to allow time for the procedure and recovery, with engagements cleared through 20 October.
Despite the reported diagnosis, officials had indicated that the Pope was not experiencing obvious symptoms before the operation.
Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo reportedly said he had met Leo on Monday and that the pontiff had appeared to be physically well.
The Pope was also said to be keen to undergo the operation promptly as he prepared for a planned trip to Latin America in early November.
The proposed visit includes Peru, where Leo spent many years as a missionary and later served as a bishop. Whether he will be able to travel as planned would depend on his recovery and subsequent medical assessments.
Crowds Gather Outside Rome Hospital
News of the reported diagnosis prompted concern among Catholics and other well-wishers, with crowds said to have gathered outside Gemelli Hospital to express their support.
Some reportedly waited for hours in the hope of catching a glimpse of the pontiff.
Leo was said to have acknowledged those gathered outside the hospital, waving and smiling from his car before meeting members of staff at the entrance.
The scenes reflected concern about the health of the leader of the world’s Catholic Church, who became Pope in May 2025.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin reportedly acknowledged the shock caused by the announcement.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Parolin said he had not expected such news. He also expressed confidence in the Pope’s recovery, pointing to the pontiff’s calm demeanour.
For many of those waiting outside the hospital, prayer offered a way to respond to the uncertainty.
One woman, identified by the BBC as Carla, reportedly said she had come to be close to the Pope.
“He seems calm, so we are calm too — even though illness is always unpleasant,” she said. “We will wait here and pray.”
Another woman, Elsa, reportedly said she had been taken aback by the announcement, having expected the Pope to be younger and healthier.
Her reaction reflected the reported surprise among some of the faithful, who had not anticipated that the pontiff would face such a serious health challenge.
What Is Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma?
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a type of lung cancer that develops in glandular cells in the lung. It is one of the most common forms of the disease.
The condition can develop in people who have no obvious symptoms, meaning medical examinations may sometimes identify a growth before a person feels unwell.
Treatment depends on several factors, including the tumour’s size and location, whether cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, and the patient’s general health.
Surgery may be an option when the cancer is confined to part of the lung and the patient is fit enough for the procedure. Some patients may also need additional treatment, depending on the results of further tests.
In the account provided, the affected lung lobe was reportedly removed successfully. However, the information does not establish whether the operation eliminated all the cancer or whether further treatment will be necessary.
A full prognosis has not been established in the supplied report.
Pope’s Recovery Remains the Immediate Priority
The reported successful operation would represent an encouraging initial development, but recovery and further medical assessments remain important.
The diagnosis has also drawn attention to the health of a pontiff whose responsibilities include leading the Catholic Church, meeting world leaders and overseeing its global affairs.
For now, the immediate priority would be allowing Leo time to recover under medical supervision.
The coming days would be expected to provide a clearer picture of his condition and whether he could resume his public duties and planned international travel.
Until further medical information is confirmed, the implications of the reported diagnosis for the Pope’s health and schedule remain uncertain.
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