Pope Leo, aged 71, underwent a planned surgical operation in Rome to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, during which tests confirmed he has lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The Vatican announced late Tuesday that the operation was successful and proceeded according to schedule.
The cancer diagnosis had been suspected based on preoperative examinations and was definitively verified during surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes within a three-hour surgical stay.
Details of the Operation and Recovery
The Vatican medical bulletin stated that Pope Leo has now returned to his hospital room following the surgery. He remains in the hospital’s tenth-floor private-patient wing, though not in the papal suite, which is under renovation. The Pope’s scheduled public appointments have been canceled until October 20 as he begins recovery.
Earlier, during his Angelus prayer, Pope Leo shared with crowds in St. Peter’s Square that a small lung nodule had been detected during a medical checkup. He described it as “well-contained” and confirmed early detection had enabled timely intervention. The Pope said he chose to proceed with surgery following medical advice.
Support and Reactions
Prominent figures expressed support following the announcement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a practicing Catholic who has met Pope Leo, conveyed that he and his wife are united in prayer for the pontiff’s recovery. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also wished the Pope well, highlighting his role as a voice for peace and humanity.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, who visited Pope Leo on Monday night, described their conversation as calm and noted the diagnosis was unexpected but fortunate to have been caught promptly. Parolin emphasized that early detection typically allows effective treatment.
Context and Upcoming Plans
Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff since his election in May last year, is generally in good health and enjoys activities such as tennis. He often retreats to the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome. In September, he undertook a papal visit to France and has a scheduled tour of South America in November, spanning 10 cities over 12 days.
The Gemelli hospital is known for its treatment of reigning popes, having cared for his predecessor Pope Francis during an extended hospitalization before his death in April 2025.
