Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer; surgery successful

Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer; surgery successful

Posted on 10/14/2026, 12:18 AM AST | Updated on 10/14/2026, 12:18 AM AST

ROME — Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery to remove a cancerous lump from his lung. According to the Vatican, doctors identified adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, during the operation and removed the lower part of his right lung.

The operation lasted 90 minutes and proceeded without complications. The 71-year-old pope returned to his room and woke normally after anesthesia.

He is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for about a week. All audiences through October 20 have been cancelled. His planned November 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will depend on his recovery.