ROME — Pope Leo XIV is recovering in hospital after surgery on Tuesday confirmed lung cancer and removed the lower lobe of his right lung, according to the Vatican.
A medical bulletin identified the cancer as lung adenocarcinoma. Doctors had suspected the diagnosis before the procedure and confirmed it during the operation at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
The Vatican said the surgery was completed successfully without complications. The 71-year-old pontiff spent around three hours in the operating room, with the procedure itself taking approximately 90 minutes. He later returned to his hospital room.
The surgical team was led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon. Before entering the hospital, Leo greeted officials and waved to well-wishers gathered outside.
No decision on further treatment has been announced. Vatican officials said doctors were not currently discussing chemotherapy or other therapies. They explained that the removal of the affected lobe was intended to eliminate all suspected cancerous tissue.
The stage of the cancer remains unclear, and results showing whether it has spread to the lymph nodes have not been released. Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, said the tumour’s size, the number of affected areas and lymph-node findings would help determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
Leo publicly disclosed the discovery of a small lung nodule during his Sunday noon prayer, explaining that doctors had recommended its removal. The announcement marked the first publicly disclosed major health concern of his 17-month papacy.
All papal audiences have been cancelled through October 20 to allow time for recovery. Leo is staying near Gemelli’s usual papal apartment, which is undergoing renovations.
His planned November 6–17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru remains dependent on his recovery. The demanding itinerary includes numerous flights, helicopter journeys and changes in altitude. Doctors often advise patients to avoid flying for about three weeks after lung surgery.
Cardinal Kikuchi Tsutomu of Tokyo, who met Leo on Monday, said the pope had chosen to undergo the operation promptly to reduce disruption to future overseas travel.
Leo is known for an active lifestyle that includes tennis and swimming. He was previously hospitalized with typhoid fever in 1985 while serving as a young missionary priest in Peru. In a later interview, he described that difficult experience as a turning point that strengthened his commitment to his work there.