Pope Leo XIV Lung Cancer Diagnosis Confirmed After Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following surgery to remove the right lung’s lower lobe. The Vatican disclosed the diagnosis on Tuesday, following the 71-year-old pontiff’s October 13 operation at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital.

According to the medical statement provided by the Holy See Press Office, the surgery went well, with no difficulties. To remove the damaged lung tissue, doctors employed a video-assisted surgical approach.

The diagnosis came just days after Pope Leo informed believers that medical tests had discovered a tiny, localised lung nodule. He stated that after noticing the tumour, physicians advised him to have surgery.

The Vatican has not yet shared details about the extent of the cancer or whether the Pope will need further treatment. His public engagements have been suspended while he recovers.

Pope Leo XIV Lung Cancer Diagnosis Confirmed by Doctors

According to the medical statement published by head surgeon Professor Stefano Margaritora and Dr Luigi Carbone, the diagnosis was verified during the operation via an analysis of lung tissue. The findings confirmed the suspicions expressed by prior medical examinations.

Surgeons excised the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung in a “radical resection” to remove the problematic tissue. The procedure took around 90 minutes, but the Pope spent three hours in the operating room.

Pope Leo awoke normally after surgery and was briefly observed before going to his bed on the hospital’s 10th level, according to a Vatican statement on X.

Lung adenocarcinoma is a kind of cancer that begins in the cells lining the lungs. However, the Vatican’s declaration provided no more medical information regarding the ailment or outlined a treatment strategy beyond surgery.

Prior to the procedure, the Pope defined the lung tumour as modest and confined. He also stated that his physicians recommended him to remove it. The most recent data confirmed the cancer diagnosis, but no more information regarding the stage or prognosis was revealed.

Pope Leo XIV Lung Cancer Recovery Puts November Trip in Focus

The Vatican has postponed the Pope’s public statements and other obligations until October 20 to allow him to recover. Vatican authorities expect him to stay at Gemelli Hospital for around a week.

Regardless of his hospitalisation, the Holy See’s administrative activities is anticipated to continue as usual. The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has voiced optimism in the Pope’s recovery.

The pontiff’s next worldwide tour in November is also gaining attention. Pope Leo is planning an 11-day apostolic trip to South America, including stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

The itinerary is scheduled to include engagements in all three nations. The Pope’s ability to travel on his planned schedule will be determined by his recuperation from surgery.

The procedure is the pope’s first serious health concern to be made public. The Vatican has temporarily halted his public appearances as he heals and is monitored by doctors.

There have been no more announcements concerning his treatment or the November travel. His rehabilitation will decide how soon he may resume public activities and whether the planned international trip can go place as planned.