Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer But Had Successful Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery after being diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 71-year-old underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday after routine medical checks detected a small nodule on his right lung. Doctors later confirmed it was lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.

According to the Vatican, the operation was completed without complications and involved the removal of the entire lower lobe of the Pope's right lung to ensure all of the cancerous tissue was removed.

The Pope woke up normally after surgery and returned to his hospital room following a short period of observation.

The Vatican said the growth had been discovered at a very early stage and was contained. Further tests are now being carried out to determine whether the cancer has spread.

Pope Leo is expected to remain in hospital for around a week while he recovers.

The Pope revealed his diagnosis himself during Sunday's Angelus blessing in St Peter's Square, explaining that doctors had advised surgery despite him feeling well.

Vatican officials have stressed that he had shown no symptoms of illness before the diagnosis.

His public schedule has been cleared until 20 October to allow time for recovery, although he is hoping to continue with a planned visit to Latin America in early November, including a significant trip to Peru, where he served for many years as a missionary and later as a bishop.

The announcement has prompted concern among Catholics worldwide, with many gathering outside Gemelli Hospital to offer prayers and messages of support. Vatican officials have expressed confidence that the Pope will make a full recovery.

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Photo Source: Vatican News