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Pope Leo is reportedly recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, with a medical bulletin describing a lung cancer diagnosis. (Images: X)
Rome: Pope Leo has reportedly been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to the medical bulletin described in the supplied report. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors detected a growth during a recent medical examination.
The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and was reportedly completed without complications. Tissue samples examined during surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Doctors had suspected the condition before the procedure, according to the report.
Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, reportedly said the affected lung lobe was removed using a video-assisted technique intended to treat the condition. Following the operation, the pope woke up normally and was resting in his hospital room. The medical update did not provide further details about his condition or outline the next stages of treatment.
The Vatican had initially announced that the surgery was successful before releasing additional information about the procedure and diagnosis.
Pope Leo travelled from the Vatican to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Tuesday. He was seen waving to people from a black SUV before arriving at the medical facility, where he greeted officials and well-wishers.
According to the supplied report, he was expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week. His public engagements have been cancelled until October 20, allowing time for medical care and recovery. His health has drawn attention because he maintains a demanding schedule, with an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru planned from November 6 to 17.
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo was elected leader of the Catholic Church in May 2025. Before becoming pope, he spent decades working as a missionary and bishop in Peru.
He previously recalled suffering a serious bout of typhoid fever in 1985 while serving as a young priest in Chulucanas, Peru. The illness required hospitalisation and left him experiencing severe pain.
Pope Leo leads a global Catholic community of approximately 1.4 billion people. The Vatican continues its administrative functions when a pope is unable to carry out his public duties.
