Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after successful surgery

Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer after a surgical operation at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

The Vatican’s medical bulletin confirmed that postoperative laboratory evaluations identified lung adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of non‑small cell lung cancer, in the tissue removed during the procedure.

Surgeons successfully excised the lower lobe of the pontiff’s right lung in a video‑assisted operation led by chief thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora. The procedure lasted roughly 90 minutes, and Pope Leo spent about three hours in the operating room. He awoke normally, spent a brief recovery period, and returned to his private suite on the tenth floor of the hospital, where he is reported to be resting comfortably.

"The surgery was successful, and there were no complications," the Vatican statement said.

Pre‑operative examinations had already raised suspicion of a malignant nodule, but the intraoperative histological examination confirmed the cancer diagnosis. The Holy See has not disclosed the stage of the disease or whether it has spread, and no immediate plans for additional therapies such as chemotherapy have been announced.

In response to the news, prayers and well‑wishes poured in worldwide. At the start of the operation, a rosary was prayed by medical staff, led by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar of Rome. Vatican officials have canceled all papal audiences and official engagements through the following week to allow the Pope time to recover.

Doctors expect Pope Leo to remain hospitalized for at least seven days as they monitor his progress and conduct follow‑up examinations. The Vatican will provide further updates on his health and any forthcoming treatment plans as the situation develops.