Home / Health / Pope Leo XIV Battles Lung Cancer After Surgery
Pope Leo XIV Battles Lung Cancer After Surgery
13 Oct
Summary
- Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a lung cancer.
- Doctors successfully removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
- The Pope is recovering well after surgery at Gemelli Hospital.
Pope Leo XIV, aged 71, has been diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a cancer affecting lung cells. The Vatican confirmed this on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, after a successful surgery at Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. During the procedure, the lower lobe of the pontiff's right lung was removed.
The Holy See Press Office reported the surgery, a pulmonary lobectomy performed using video-assisted techniques, concluded without complications. This procedure involves removing a section of the lung, not the entire organ. Doctors noted the operation lasted about 90 minutes.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in lung's glandular cells. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, it can occur in both smokers and non-smokers. The Pope is reportedly recovering well and remains under observation.
The Pope's health situation has led to widespread expressions of solidarity within the Catholic Church, with religious communities organizing prayers for his recovery. This follows an earlier announcement regarding a pulmonary nodule.
