Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer, surgery successful

In Short:
– Pope Leo has lung adenocarcinoma following successful surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
– His recovery will determine prognosis based on tumour size and lymph node involvement.

Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following surgery to remove part of his right lung, according to the Vatican.The procedure was conducted at Rome’s Gemelli hospital and was deemed successful without complications.

Health update

Surgeons affirm their goal was to eliminate all cancerous tissue during the 90-minute video-assisted procedure.

Medical experts indicate that prognosis will depend on tumour size and lymph node involvement, information yet to be released.

Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist, states surgery could be curative if the cancer is small and localized.

Pope Leo is currently recovering and was expected to stay in the hospital for around a week with all public events canceled until October 20.

Earlier, he underwent surgery after a routine health check identified a growth in his lung.

Upon leaving for the hospital, he waved to supporters who gathered outside.

Pope Leo was elected pope in May 2025 and remains relatively young for the position.

He leads a busy schedule, including a planned trip to South America next month, though its status is uncertain.

The Vatican continues normal operations in his absence, as there is no deputy to assume his duties when he is incapacitated.

Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo served many years in Peru before his papal election.

He survived a severe case of typhoid fever in 1985, an experience he later reflected on in an interview.