Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday following a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The 71-year-old pontiff, who arrived at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for the 90-minute operation, is currently recovering after the procedure, which the Vatican described as a necessary step to ensure the removal was radical. According to after the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room on the 10th floor,” the Vatican, In a statement.
The medical issue was initially identified during routine health screenings. Although the pontiff had shown no prior symptoms of infection or illness, doctors confirmed the growth was pulmonary adenocarcinoma—matching suspicions from pre-operative testing. A Vatican source indicated that additional testing is underway to determine if the cancer has spread. The lump was first detected during what the Vatican has described as “routine checks”. A Vatican source told Agence France-Presse news agency further tests were being carried out to see if there was any sign the cancer had spread.
The Pope personally informed the public of the pending surgery this past Sunday after leading the Angelus blessing from St Peter’s Square. He explained at the time that the nodule was caught at an early stage. Vatican officials noted that Leo XIV was eager to proceed with the surgery quickly to maintain his commitment to an upcoming trip to Latin America, scheduled for early November. This journey holds personal significance for the Pope, who served as a missionary and Bishop in Peru for many years. According to he, The Pope had decided to check in for surgery as soon as possible because he was due to travel to Latin America in early November, and was keen to stick to that plan.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin acknowledged that the diagnosis came as a shock, describing the news as a bolt from the blue. However, he emphasized that the College of Cardinals remains confident in the Pope’s recovery, noting that the pontiff has maintained a sense of serenity throughout the process.
The Pope’s schedule remains cleared through October 20 to prioritize his convalescence. Reports from those close to him, including Tokyo’s Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao who held an audience with the Pope on Monday, suggest that the pontiff felt physically fine immediately before the hospital admission. While he waved and smiled back through the lowered back window of his car, they cheered greetings and well wishes as he passed. Whose schedule has already been cleared until 20 October to give him time to recover, gemelli’s thoracic surgery team operated on the Pope.
Crowds gathered outside the Gemelli Hospital to show their support as the Pope arrived on Tuesday. Waving from his car, he was greeted by staff on the hospital steps, where he responded to expressions of concern with a smile and a shrug. Supporters lingering outside the facility expressed both surprise and solidarity. He was then met by staff on the hospital steps. “I’m sorry,” one of them commiserated, to which the Pope gave a smile and a shrug. “We’re here for you,” he was assured.
For many believers, the sudden announcement has served as a poignant reminder of the pontiff’s humanity. Some attendees, such as a visitor named Elsa, expressed feeling taken aback, noting that the health scare highlighted that even the leader of the Church faces vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, well-wishers like Carla remained near the hospital to offer prayers, finding comfort in the Pope’s calm demeanor.
