Pope Leo diagnosed with cancer after surgery to remove part of lung | Religion News
Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Following Surgery
The 71-year-old is recovering in Rome’s Gemelli hospital after surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his lung.
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following a surgical procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to a medical bulletin from the Vatican. The diagnosis was initially suspected based on preoperative tests.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Vatican reported that the surgery, which lasted 90 minutes, was successful and without complications. The pontiff is now recuperating in his hospital room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is expected to remain for the next week. All scheduled audiences until October 20 have been canceled.
Doctors have not yet discussed chemotherapy or additional treatments, pending further test results. The Vatican’s medical statement emphasized the “radical” nature of the lobe removal, indicating that all suspicious tissue was taken out in hopes of eradicating any remaining traces of cancer.
Prior to the surgery, Pope Leo greeted dozens of well-wishers outside the hospital. He had first announced the discovery of a small nodule during a prayer in St. Peter’s Square. “The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it,” he stated.
The pope, who has no known history of severe illness and maintains an active lifestyle that includes swimming and tennis, is scheduled to embark on a Latin America tour from November 6 to 17. The itinerary includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, with a series of flights and significant altitude changes planned. It remains unclear how his recovery might impact this schedule, though the pontiff has expressed his intention to proceed with the trip.
