VATICAN CITY — October 14, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung after doctors confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer, according to the Vatican.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13. The procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed successfully, with no complications reported.
According to the Vatican's medical update, tissue examinations confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.
Doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung in an operation intended to remove the affected tissue. The Vatican said he regained consciousness normally following the procedure and returned to his hospital room to recover.
Vatican Provides Update on Pope's Condition
The Vatican reported that Pope Leo XIV spent a calm night in hospital following the operation.
The pontiff is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week while recovering. His public engagements have been cancelled through October 20 to allow him time to rest.
The Vatican has not yet disclosed the stage of the cancer or confirmed whether the Pope will require additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Further medical assessments are expected to help doctors determine the next steps in his care.
What Is Lung Adenocarcinoma?
Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in cells lining the lungs. It is one of the most common forms of lung cancer.
The outlook for patients depends on several factors, including the size of the tumour, whether it has spread and the results of further medical examinations.
Although the Pope's tumour has been surgically removed, the Vatican has not provided enough information to establish whether the operation has completely resolved the disease.
Medical specialists say that early detection and the extent of the cancer are important factors when assessing treatment options and recovery prospects.
Pope Leo XIV's Upcoming Activities
The operation has raised questions about whether the Pope will be able to maintain his planned international travel schedule.
He is expected to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to November 17. The Vatican has not confirmed whether his recovery will affect the trip.
For now, his immediate priority is recovery following the successful operation.
Prayers and Messages of Support
News of the Pope's diagnosis has prompted messages of support from religious leaders and public figures.
Many Catholics have offered prayers for his recovery, while others have expressed concern about the health of the leader of the world's Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV became the first American-born pontiff when he was elected in May 2025, succeeding Pope Francis.
As the Vatican awaits further medical assessments, attention remains focused on his recovery and whether additional treatment will be necessary.
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