Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following a successful operation to remove the affected portion of his right lung, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday after doctors discovered a growth in his lung during routine medical examinations.
A medical bulletin issued by the Vatican confirmed that the growth was identified as lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
“The operation was successful and there were no complications,” the Vatican said, adding that the Pope regained consciousness normally and returned to his room after a brief period of observation.
The medical team removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung to ensure the affected tissue was completely excised.
Further tests are reportedly being conducted to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of his body.
The Pope had disclosed the planned surgery on Sunday during his traditional Angelus address in St Peter’s Square, explaining that doctors had discovered a lung nodule at an early stage and recommended its removal.
The Vatican maintained that the pontiff had not shown symptoms of infection or other illness before the diagnosis.
Pope Leo is expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week, while his official engagements have been suspended until October 20 to allow him time to recover.
His planned visit to Latin America in early November, including Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and bishop, is among the engagements that could be affected by his health condition.
The announcement has sparked concern among Catholics and religious leaders across the world.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, described the news as unexpected but expressed confidence in the Pope’s recovery.
“Am I worried? Yes, because I certainly wasn’t expecting anything like this,” Parolin told journalists on Tuesday.
He described the development as a “bolt from the blue” but said the cardinals had been encouraged by the pontiff’s calm disposition.
Meanwhile, Catholics gathered outside Gemelli Hospital to offer prayers and express support for the Pope.
One woman, identified as Carla, told the BBC that the pontiff’s composure had helped reassure those concerned about his condition.
“He seems calm, so we are calm too — even though illness is always unpleasant,” she said.
Another Catholic, Elsa, said she was shocked by the announcement, adding that she had expected the Pope to be healthier when he was elected.
The Vatican has yet to provide further details on the results of tests to determine the extent of the disease.
