On October 13, 2026, Pope Leo XIV entered Gemelli Hospital in Rome for a surgical procedure. The operation, described by some sources as lasting three hours and by others as roughly ninety minutes, proceeded without reported complications. During the surgery, doctors removed the lower lobe of the pontiff’s right lung. Intraoperative histological examination confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma, a finding that had been suspected from pre‑operative tests. The Vatican later announced that the diagnosis of lung cancer was made during this intervention.
The Vatican issued a medical bulletin on October 14, 2026, stating that the surgery was successful and that there were no complications. The bulletin also noted that the aim of the procedure was to achieve a radical resection by removing the lower lobe of the right lung using a video‑assisted technique. While the operation achieved its immediate goal, the Vatican did not disclose the cancer’s stage or whether it had spread beyond the lung.
The Vatican says surgery confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. https://t.co/Nm2hAye4fM
Surgeons Dr. Stefano Margaritora and Dr. Luigi Carbone explained that, in order to make the procedure curative, they removed the lower lobe of the right lung with a video‑assisted approach. Their statement emphasized the intent to eradicate all cancerous tissue present at the time. The surgeons highlighted that the goal was to achieve a radical resection.
Following the announcement, messages of prayer and well‑wishes arrived from around the world.
The Vatican has historically maintained privacy regarding the health of its pontiffs, yet it acknowledged that there is a precedent for popes continuing their duties despite chronic illnesses. This context frames the current situation, suggesting that while the diagnosis is serious, the pontiff may still be able to fulfill some of his responsibilities. A commentator noted that the Vatican’s tendency to keep health matters private leads to speculation and a need to read between the lines to gauge the pope’s condition.
Pope Leo XIV underwent thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, as planned, according to a statement from Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora released by the Holy See Press Office. The surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung, and tissue examined during the operation confirmed the diagnosis of “lung adenocarcinoma,” as suspected from tests conducted beforehand. The Pope was in the operating room approximately three hours, while the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes. The doctors said it was successful and there were no complications. Pope Leo awoke normally after surgery and, following a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor, according to the statement. https://t.co/63Fs28LCZJ
Following the announcement, messages of prayer and well‑wishes arrived from around the world. Cardinal Baldassare Reina urged the faithful to join together in prayer, asking the Lord to sustain Bishop Pope Leo and to comfort those hospitalized.
At seventy‑one years old, Pope Leo XIV’s age was highlighted in the reports. The Vatican announced that all of the pope’s public events would be cancelled until October 20, 2026. This pause in public engagements followed the surgery.
Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with Lung Cancer, undergoes successful surgery https://t.co/G0DxnlrBpj
Before the diagnosis, the pontiff had planned a November tour that would take him to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, spanning an estimated eleven days. After the surgery, the Vatican indicated that this tour is currently uncertain.
Dr. Stephen Liu of Georgetown University remarked that while the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma is confirmed, the stage remains unknown, which is critical for determining prognosis and treatment options. He added that if the cancer is small and has not involved lymph nodes, surgery alone could be curative. The pending stage leaves open questions about further treatment.