Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following a scheduled operation on Tuesday, October 13, according to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office.
Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. Tissue examined during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a diagnosis doctors had suspected based on testing before surgery.
Pope Leo XIV spent approximately three hours in the operating theater, although the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes.
According to the medical team, the operation was successful, and no complications were reported.
Following surgery, The Pope woke up normally and remained under observation for a short period before returning to his room on the hospital’s tenth floor.
The surgical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, with assistance from Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Caravella.
The medical update was issued by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Margaritora.
The release did not specify the stage of the cancer or provide details about possible additional treatment.