Pope Leo XIV Recovers After Successful Lung Surgery To Remove Cancerous Tumor

Pope Leo XIV is recovering in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after undergoing a successful operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced Tuesday evening.

The surgery, performed by a thoracic team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, lasted approximately 90 minutes, though the pontiff was in the operating room for about three hours.

A histological examination during the procedure confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer, which had been suspected from preoperative tests. Doctors used a video-assisted technique to ensure a radical resection, removing the entire affected lobe.

“The surgery was completed successfully, within the expected timeframe and as planned, and the Holy Father has returned to his room,” the Holy See Press Office stated.

The 71-year-old pope woke up normally after the operation and returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor. A Vatican source said he asked for dinner and spent the evening with his secretaries and other staff.

Pope Leo had announced the discovery of the “small, localized nodule” during his Sunday Angelus address, stating it was found at a “very early stage”. He expressed gratitude for the prayers of the faithful, saying, “I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers”.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, said he spoke with the pope the day before the surgery and found him “very serene”. “I am worried because I certainly did not expect something like this,” Parolin said, “however, thank God, it was found quickly”.

The pope is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week, and all papal audiences and public events have been canceled until October 20. Post-operative exams on the removed tissue will be conducted in the coming days.