Pope Undergoes Successful Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV recently underwent a successful surgery for lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. The procedure, which took place in the operating room for approximately three hours with the operation itself lasting 90 minutes, concluded without complications.

An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis, which had been suspected from prior examinations. This type of cancer is known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Adenocarcinoma develops from cells that produce mucus and is often found in the outer lung regions. While smoking is a primary cause, this form of NSCLC is also frequently diagnosed in non-smokers.

Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing new lung cancers, with risk decreasing 30% to 60% after 10 years of cessation.