Pope Leo XIV underwent a health checkup in early 2025. A subsequent surgery was performed in October 2026 after lung adenocarcinoma was diagnosed.
Tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer with a favorable prognosis, according to experts.
Vatican confirms Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and that the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. https://t.co/VVUZUMb1T0
In October 2026, Pope Leo XIV underwent a successful operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The surgery, led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, involved removing the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung and lasted approximately 90 minutes.
Giorgia Fei expressed confidence in the medical team, stating, “He’s in very good hands here at the hospital because we have some outstanding doctors.
The Vatican stated the surgery was successful, with no complications. The pope returned to his room in stable condition.
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer,, the Vatican confirms. https://t.co/KLbTnbfjz2
Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert, emphasized the need to determine the cancer’s stage, including tumor size and lymph node involvement, to guide potential treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Giorgia Fei expressed confidence in the medical team, stating, “He’s in very good hands here at the hospital because we have some outstanding doctors.” Giuseppe Purpura noted, “He’s still quite young and I really wasn’t expecting this.”
BREAKING: POPE LEO XIV DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER The Vatican confirms Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The cancer had been suspected beforehand and was confirmed during the procedure. The Vatican says the surgery was successful and completed without complications.
The focus remains on the pope’s recovery and further medical assessments to determine the next steps in his treatment.
