ROME, ITALY. The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, following surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. The operation was completed successfully, and the 71-year-old pontiff regained consciousness normally before returning to his hospital room, according to information released by the Holy See.

The medical bulletin stated that surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted technique. An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, which had been suspected during preoperative tests. The procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications. 

The diagnosis was disclosed after an earlier Vatican statement announced that surgery to remove a small, localized lung nodule had been successful. The subsequent medical update provided further details about the nature of the lesion and the extent of the operation.

Recovery and further medical assessment

Pope Leo is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately one week while recovering from the procedure. The Vatican has not announced a definitive plan for any additional treatment, nor has it provided a long-term prognosis. Those decisions will depend on further medical findings and assessments by his doctors.

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma develops in glandular cells in lung tissue and is one of the most common forms of lung cancer. However, the diagnosis alone does not establish how an individual patient’s condition will progress. Further assessment of the tumor’s characteristics and possible extent is necessary to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

The Pope’s public schedule has been suspended through Tuesday, October 20, as he recuperates. The operation was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of the hospital’s thoracic surgery unit.

South American trip remains a key question

The Pope’s health is also drawing attention because of his upcoming international schedule. Leo XIV is expected to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. No official cancellation of the trip has been announced so far, but its status will depend on his recovery and medical advice.

On Sunday, October 11, the pontiff publicly disclosed that doctors had discovered a localized lung nodule during recent medical examinations. He said it had been detected at a very early stage and was well localized. Following medical advice, he decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

Since the announcement, faithful and religious representatives have gathered in Rome to pray for his health, while messages of support have arrived from around the world.

The confirmation of lung adenocarcinoma marks a significant development in the monitoring of Pope Leo XIV’s health. Elected in May 2025, he is the first American pope. For now, the immediate priority is his postoperative recovery and the medical evaluation that will guide decisions about any further treatment.