Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, according to a medical statement released by the Vatican on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure after a lung nodule was discovered during recent medical examinations. Although the cancer had been suspected before the operation, further examination of the tissue confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.
The Vatican said the Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, while the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes. The procedure was reported to have been successful, with no complications.
Doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung in an effort to eliminate the cancerous growth and surrounding affected tissue. Following the operation, he reportedly woke up normally and was transferred to his hospital room for recovery.
The diagnosis comes days after Pope Leo personally disclosed that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during recent medical checks. He announced that he would undergo surgery on medical advice and thanked the faithful for their prayers and support.
Before the operation, the Vatican had described the nodule as having been detected at an early stage and being well localised. The subsequent diagnosis confirmed that the growth was cancerous.
The Pope is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week while doctors monitor his recovery. Further medical assessments will help determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the removed portion of his lung and whether additional treatment will be necessary.
No immediate decision on chemotherapy or other post-surgical treatment has been announced, pending further test results.
The development has drawn international attention because of the Pope’s position as leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the significance of his health to Catholics worldwide. Messages of support and prayers have followed news of his diagnosis and surgery.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first American pope when he was elected in May 2025. Since assuming the papacy, he has continued a demanding schedule of religious ceremonies, meetings with world leaders and engagements with Catholic communities around the world.
His medical condition may affect some of his upcoming public engagements. The Vatican has cancelled audiences through October 20 to allow time for his recovery, while the status of his planned November visit to South America will depend on his progress.
The diagnosis also highlights the importance of early investigation of suspicious lung growths. Although pulmonary adenocarcinoma can vary considerably in severity, the outlook depends on factors including the stage of the disease, whether it has spread and the effectiveness of treatment.
For now, the immediate priority is the Pope’s recovery following surgery. Further medical updates are expected to clarify the extent of the disease and the next steps in his treatment.
The Vatican has confirmed that the operation was successful and free of complications, but the full prognosis remains dependent on the results of additional examinations.
As Catholics and observers around the world follow developments, attention will remain on the pontiff’s recovery and the medical team’s assessment of his condition.
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