Pope Leo Diagnosed with Lung Cancer After Surgery

Pope Leo, aged 71, was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The diagnosis was made after doctors discovered a growth during a routine health check, leading to his admission to Gemelli hospital in Rome. The operation, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, was completed without complications.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo spent a peaceful night in the hospital. The announcement of the cancer diagnosis for the pontiff, who was elected in May 2025 and is known for his relative youth and energy, has caused widespread shock. World leaders, senior cardinals, and Catholics globally have offered prayers for his health and recovery.

During an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square, prayers were recited for Pope Leo's convalescence and complete healing. He is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week, and all his public engagements have been canceled until October 20. The scheduled South American tour from November 6 to 17 is currently uncertain.

Key factors in determining the pontiff's prognosis, such as the tumor's size and whether the disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes, have not yet been disclosed by the Vatican. Despite these uncertainties, messages of support have poured in from political leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.