Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Following Successful Surgery in Rome

Pope Leo XIV spent a "peaceful night" in hospital following a successful 90-minute surgery to treat lung cancer, the Vatican confirmed in a medical bulletin released Wednesday morning.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure at Rome's Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, where surgeons removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung to eliminate a growth. Post-operative pathology confirmed that the mass was lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, which typically develops in mucus-producing cells in the outer areas of the organ.

A joint statement from the Pope's lead surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, and personal physician, Luigi Carbone, confirmed the operation went smoothly without complications. The Vatican noted that the complete lower lobe was removed "to ensure the procedure was radical", adding:

"The operation was successful and there were no complications. After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room."

The diagnosis comes just days after the American-born pontiff, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, announced during his weekly Sunday address in St. Peter's Square that doctors had spotted a small, localized nodule during a routine check-up.

While the Vatican has not disclosed the precise size of the tumor or whether the disease reached adjacent lymph nodes, officials noted that doctors are not currently discussing chemotherapy or further therapies pending additional test results. Leo, who was elected in May 2025 and is known as an active sports enthusiast, had displayed no previous symptoms or illness.

News of the diagnosis triggered an outpouring of support from political and religious leaders worldwide:

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: "His serenity and strength are an inspiration for all of us. We hope for his full and speedy recovery."
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared a message on social media: "May the Lord give him strength and the Holy Spirit guide the medical professionals taking care of the Holy Father."
• Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin told reporters the diagnosis was a "bolt from the blue", adding: "Am I worried? Yes, because I certainly wasn't expecting anything like this."
• Archbishop Richard Moth, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, called for prayers across the UK: "I ask that Catholics in England and Wales, and indeed all people of goodwill, pray for Pope Leo - in our homes and in our parishes - that he may be restored to full health after a period of rest and recuperation. We also remember all those who are experiencing illness at this time, and keep them, their families and those who care for the sick in our prayers."
• Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III will write privately to the pontiff to convey his well-wishes.

The Vatican has cleared Pope Leo’s public engagements through to October 20th, expecting him to remain hospitalized for roughly a week. During his absence, an open-air Mass closing an assembly of bishops in St. Peter's Square was led on Wednesday by Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle, whom Leo recently named dean of the College of Cardinals.

Despite the medical scare, Church officials indicated the pontiff remains eager to proceed with an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru scheduled for November 6th to 17th. Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo noted after a Monday audience that Leo sought surgery immediately specifically to avoid delaying the trip.

The visit holds particular personal resonance for the Pope, who spent decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru. In the northern Peruvian city of Chiclayo, where Leo previously served for eight years, local residents gathered to pray for his health ahead of his planned return.