Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, the Vatican announced Tuesday after surgeons removed a small nodule from his right lung. The pontiff, 71, underwent thoracic surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.
The diagnosis was confirmed through a tissue examination conducted during the operation, which the Vatican stated was consistent with preoperative test findings. The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes, and the pontiff is reported to have awakened without complications.
Doctors had previously identified a small lump on the pope's lung, which Leo described as being "identified at a very early stage and well situated." Following medical advice, he opted for surgery to remove it.
The procedure involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique. Pope Leo XIV is known for maintaining an active lifestyle, including playing tennis and swimming, and has no previously known health issues.
It remains unclear if the surgery and recovery period will impact his planned international travel from Nov. 6–17, which includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. He also recently made an appeal for peace in Ukraine, noting the widespread suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.