Lung cancer confirmed in Pope Leo XIV after surgery

Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, after undergoing surgery in which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed, according to the newspaper El Estímulo, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

The operation was carried out at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, lasted about 90 minutes and was performed with video assistance. A frozen-section histological examination conducted during the procedure confirmed the diagnosis that doctors had already suspected based on preoperative tests carried out earlier.

The Vatican said in an official statement that the surgery was successful and did not present serious clinical complications. The medical team, led by specialist Stefano Margaritora, opted for a radical surgery to completely remove the tissue affected by the tumor.

After waking up from anesthesia and spending a brief period under medical observation, the pontiff returned to his room on the 10th floor of the Roman hospital. Vatican sources cited by El Comercio and Contrapunto said the Catholic leader is recovering favorably and has already asked for food after the operation.

For the time being, neither the medical team at the Gemelli Polyclinic nor official Vatican spokespeople have specified how long the pope will remain hospitalized or what follow-up treatments he may receive to complete his recovery.