VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13. According to the Vatican, the procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed successfully without complications.
The diagnosis was confirmed following an examination of tissue removed during surgery, after earlier medical tests had raised suspicions of cancer.
Pope Leo had announced on Sunday that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. He said the condition had been detected early and that he had decided to follow medical advice to have it removed.
Following the operation, the pope returned to his hospital room, where he is expected to remain for about a week as he recovers.
The Vatican has cancelled his public audiences and other scheduled engagements through October 20 to allow him time to recuperate.
Doctors are awaiting additional test results to establish the extent of the disease, including whether cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes. The findings will help determine whether the pontiff requires further treatment.
The Vatican has not announced plans for chemotherapy or other cancer therapies, indicating that further medical assessments are needed before decisions can be made.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common form of non-small cell lung cancer. Surgery can be an effective treatment when the disease is confined to a localised area, although the long-term outlook depends on the cancer’s stage and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
The pope’s hospitalisation has raised questions about his ability to resume his public duties and fulfil upcoming international commitments, including a planned visit to South America in November.
However, the Vatican has not announced any changes to the planned trip, leaving its status dependent on the pontiff’s recovery and subsequent medical assessments.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, United States, became the first American pope following his election in May 2025.
Before his election, he spent years serving the Catholic Church in Peru and held leadership positions within the Augustinian order.
His current hospitalisation comes as he continues to lead the Catholic Church, whose global responsibilities include pastoral engagements, diplomatic activities and major religious events.
For now, attention remains on the pope’s recovery and the results of further examinations, which are expected to provide a clearer picture of his condition and guide decisions on any additional treatment.
The Vatican has yet to announce when he will resume his full public schedule.
