What began as a routine medical examination has led to a serious cancer diagnosis for Pope Leo XIV, who underwent surgery to remove the lower portion of his right lung.
The 71-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following an operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The Vatican confirmed that doctors discovered cancerous tissue and removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
The diagnosis had been suspected before surgery, but testing conducted during the procedure confirmed the cancer.
According to the Vatican, the pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the actual surgery lasted about 90 minutes.
“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican announced.
The operation was led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon.
Doctors performed what the Vatican described as a “radical” removal, meaning they sought to eliminate all suspicious tissue. However, officials have not confirmed whether additional cancer treatment will be necessary.
For now, chemotherapy and other therapies have not been announced.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer and one of the most common types of lung cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, surgery can be an effective treatment when the disease is discovered before spreading to other areas of the body.
Removing an entire lung lobe, known as a lobectomy, is an established surgical approach for certain patients.
Although the Vatican has not disclosed the pope’s official cancer stage, medical experts have expressed optimism because the suspicious nodule was reportedly detected while still small and localized.
Oncologists described his potential prognosis as “excellent” before the operation, emphasizing the benefits of early detection.
Still, his recovery and any future treatment decisions will depend on further medical assessments.
The health scare became public during the pope’s Sunday prayer, when he disclosed that doctors had discovered a small lung nodule and recommended surgery.
Despite the announcement, Leo appeared calm when he arrived at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, walking through the main entrance and waving to supporters.
The unexpected cancer diagnosis has interrupted Leo’s demanding schedule just 17 months into his papacy.
The Vatican has canceled his public audiences through October 20, allowing him time to recover.
His hospitalization could also affect an upcoming international trip.
Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 through November 17, traveling approximately 19,000 miles across multiple flights and helicopter journeys.
Doctors frequently recommend avoiding air travel for approximately three weeks following lung surgery, making the trip’s timing particularly challenging.
However, Cardinal Kikuchi Tsutomu, who visited Leo before the operation, previously suggested the pope was determined to maintain his schedule.
“He has decided to undergo surgery soon in order to not change his plans for future overseas trips, so there is no need to worry, as it is not an emergency,” the cardinal explained.
The Vatican has not confirmed whether the trip will proceed.
Although Leo is considered physically active and regularly enjoys swimming and tennis, this is not his first significant medical challenge.
In 1985, while serving as a missionary priest in Peru, he was hospitalized with typhoid fever.
The experience became a turning point in his religious journey.
Recalling the “horrible” pain in his 2025 biography, Leo admitted the illness left him questioning whether he would survive.
“I was hooked up to an IV, and I said, ‘If this is your sense of humor, Lord, I think you could do a little better.’”
He later reflected on how surviving influenced his decision to continue serving in Peru.
“Obviously, I survived; I recovered, but it turned out to be a very significant moment for me, because it was like, ’Well, you’ve already dealt with the illness; you already see what the needs are here — the order, the Augustinians, the church are telling you, ‘We need you here; go for it.’ I never looked back.”
Now, decades later, Leo faces another serious health challenge while leading millions of Catholics worldwide.
Although the surgery was successful, questions remain about his long-term treatment and recovery.
The Vatican is expected to provide additional medical updates as doctors monitor his condition and determine when he can resume his responsibilities.
