Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis on October 13, 2026, after medical examinations identified a suspicious growth. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where doctors confirmed the diagnosis through tissue examination.

According to the Vatican’s medical bulletin, the operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed successfully without complications. The Pope woke up normally after surgery and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation. The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung to address the cancerous growth detected during earlier examinations.

The latest medical updates reported on October 14 indicated that Pope Leo was recovering as expected. He had resumed eating, started walking and undertaken respiratory physiotherapy. His blood tests and chest X-ray showed normal postoperative progress, according to information released by his medical team through the Vatican.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer and develops in glandular cells in the lungs. The Pope had previously disclosed that doctors found a localized lung nodule during medical examinations and recommended surgery. Although the growth was described as localized before the operation, the Vatican has not publicly confirmed the cancer’s complete stage or whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Following the operation, the Pope was expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week under medical observation. His public engagements were suspended until October 20 to allow time for recovery. Doctors are continuing postoperative assessments, and further findings will help determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

The diagnosis has also raised questions about Pope Leo XIV’s planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November 2026. Reports indicated that the trip’s status could depend on his recovery and medical advice. The Vatican has not provided a definitive update confirming any changes to the itinerary. For now, the Pope’s medical team continues to monitor his recovery, while details about his long-term treatment and prognosis remain undisclosed.