Daijiworld Media Network – Vatican City

Vatican City, Oct 14: Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The diagnosis, which had been suspected during preoperative tests, was confirmed through examinations conducted during the surgery, according to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican.

The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed successfully without complications. The Pope regained consciousness normally after the procedure and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation, the Vatican said.

Pope Leo had announced on October 11 that doctors had discovered a localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. He said the growth had been detected at a very early stage and was well localised. Following medical advice, he decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week to recover. His public engagements have been cancelled until October 20, while further medical assessments will help determine whether additional treatment is required and whether the cancer has spread.

The diagnosis marks a significant health development during Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, which began in May 2025. The Vatican has not yet provided a detailed prognosis or confirmed a further course of treatment.