Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following an operation at a hospital in Rome, according to new reports, with further details emerging about the extent of his condition and treatment.
The 71-year-old leader of the Catholic Church underwent surgery at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors discovered an abnormality in one of his lungs.
The Vatican confirmed that the procedure had been completed successfully and that the Pope had returned to his hospital room to recover.
The diagnosis has prompted messages of support from Catholics around the world, while attention turns to his recovery and upcoming public engagements.
What type of lung cancer has Pope Leo XIV been diagnosed with?
According to the Associated Press, doctors identified lung adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in cells responsible for producing mucus and other substances in the lungs.
Adenocarcinoma is among the most common forms of lung cancer and can affect people who have never smoked.
The condition was discovered after routine medical examinations identified a small nodule in the Pope's lung.
During his Sunday Angelus address on October 11, Leo explained that the abnormality had been detected early and appeared to be localised.
Doctors subsequently recommended surgery to remove the affected tissue.
How extensive was Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer surgery?
Further reporting from the Associated Press indicates that surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung during the operation.
The procedure, known as a lobectomy, involves removing one of the sections that make up the lungs.
The right lung contains three lobes, while the left contains two.
The operation reportedly lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications.
According to the report, the Vatican described the removal as radical, indicating that surgeons believed they had removed the cancerous tissue.
However, the exact pathological stage of the cancer has not been publicly established in the information available, and the successful removal of a tumour does not by itself confirm that cancer has not spread elsewhere.
Further medical assessments may help determine whether additional treatment is required.
Vatican confirms successful operation
In an official statement on Tuesday evening, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Pope's surgery had gone according to plan.
The Vatican said the procedure had been completed within the expected timeframe and that Leo had returned to his hospital room.
The operation was performed by a thoracic surgery team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
Before the operation, the Pope had publicly discussed the discovery of the nodule and thanked supporters for their prayers.
He had also continued carrying out scheduled duties in the days leading up to his admission.
How long will Pope Leo XIV remain in hospital?
The Vatican previously indicated that the Pope would be expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week following surgery.
His public audiences and other scheduled engagements have been cancelled or rearranged until October 20.
The hospital stay will allow doctors to monitor his recovery and assess his condition following the operation.
Although the initial surgical update was positive, the Vatican has not announced a precise date for his discharge.
Will Pope Leo XIV need chemotherapy?
According to the Associated Press, additional treatment such as chemotherapy was not immediately planned following the operation.
However, treatment decisions for lung cancer depend on several factors, including the tumour's stage, its characteristics and whether any cancer cells are detected outside the original site.
Doctors may use pathology results from removed tissue to help determine whether further treatment or monitoring is appropriate.
The Vatican has not publicly provided a complete staging assessment or detailed long-term treatment plan.
What happens to the Pope's upcoming engagements?
Leo's hospitalisation has already resulted in changes to the Vatican's schedule.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was assigned to preside over a previously scheduled Mass during the Pope's recovery.
The pontiff also has a planned visit to South America in November, including stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Whether that trip proceeds as originally scheduled will depend on his recovery and medical advice.
For now, the Vatican has confirmed that the surgery was successful, with further updates expected as Pope Leo XIV continues recovering in Rome.
