Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery on Tuesday to remove a nodular lesion from his right lung, the Vatican announced. The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, according to a Vatican news release issued after the operation. The procedure was described as “successful” and with “no complications.”
The diagnosis of lung cancer was confirmed during the surgery itself, which involved the removal of the lower lobe of the right lung using a video-assisted technique. Intraoperative histological examination verified the pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as had been suspected from pre-operative tests. Pope Leo was in the operating room for approximately three hours, though the procedure itself took 90 minutes.
Following the operation, the Pope “regained consciousness normally” and was transferred to his room on the 10th floor of Rome's Gemelli Hospital. He will be staying in a nearby room, as the specific papal apartment on the 10th floor is currently undergoing renovations, the Vatican press office confirmed.
The Vatican did not disclose the stage of the cancer, whether it may have spread, or details regarding any potential further procedures or treatments. Candida Moss, the Edward Cadbury professor of theology at the University of Birmingham in England, noted that the Vatican typically keeps such health matters private, requiring careful interpretation of official statements.
Pope Leo XIV had announced on Sunday during his noon blessing that he would undergo surgery after a nodular lesion was found in his lung. He stated, “The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it. Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers.” According to the American Thoracic Society, lung nodules are usually small, and fewer than 5% are cancerous. If cancerous, they often indicate early-stage lung cancer.
Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer in the United States, accounting for about 40% of all diagnosed cases, according to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA). It typically forms in glandular cells on the outer parts of the lung and tends to be diagnosed earlier due to its slower spread. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, and upper back and chest pain, with treatments ranging from surgery to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.
The surgical team was led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon. Earlier on Tuesday, Pope Leo entered Gemelli Hospital through the main entrance, waving to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to greet him.
In light of the surgery, the Vatican had canceled all of Pope Leo’s audiences through October 20. There has been no update on whether his planned trip to South America, scheduled for November 6, will proceed. Typically, a procedure of this nature recommends avoiding air travel for about three weeks, which would bring the Pope close to the start of that trip.
Moss commented that Vatican protocol allows for cardinals and aides to assume many of the Pope’s duties as needed. She added that Pope Leo is expected to continue working as much as possible, citing a long tradition of popes, including Pope John Paul II who had Parkinson’s for a decade, remaining active until the end of their tenures.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his support in a social media post, stating that he and his wife were “united in prayer” for the Pope. Rubio wrote, “May the Lord give him strength and the Holy Spirit guide the medical professionals taking care of the Holy Father.”
Pope Leo, born in Chicago, is known for an active and healthy lifestyle, including swimming and playing tennis, factors that likely aided him leading into the surgery. He has maintained a busy schedule since becoming pope a year and a half ago.
Separately, Louis Prevost, Pope Leo’s older brother who resides in Florida, is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. His wife, Deborah Prevost, confirmed that Louis was diagnosed in 2017 and, after treatment in 2019 that included stem cell treatment and a clinical trial, maintained a “very low level” of the disease until falling out of remission three months ago. Deborah Prevost noted that Pope Leo informed his brother of his own situation last week before Louis went in for his clinical trial. She added, “We keep praying, keeping spirits up for both of them.”
