The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a malignant tumor from his right lung. The procedure lasted 90 minutes, and afterward, the Pope 'woke up normally.'
A Vatican source specified that additional examinations are being conducted to determine if the cancer has spread. The Vatican statement indicated that the lower lobe of the right lung was removed to ensure the radicality of the intervention.
The operation confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, which was suspected based on preoperative tests. The 71-year-old Pope was in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for three hours, with the surgery itself taking half of that time.
The Vatican stated that the surgical intervention was successful and no complications arose; the source added that after the procedure, the Pope requested dinner.
Medical Expert Opinion
Juanita Mora, a medical representative for the American Lung Association, told AFP that when this type of cancer is detected early, the prognosis is very favorable. She emphasized that much will depend on the stage of the discovered cancer and whether it has spread.
Mora noted that in cases of surgical removal where the cancer is localized and found early, the five-year survival rate for lung adenocarcinoma ranges from 80 to 98 percent. She also added that doctors will determine whether the Pope requires chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to treat the adenocarcinoma.
Support from World Leaders
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a practicing Catholic, stated after the operation that he and his wife 'are united in prayer for (Leo)' following his recent diagnosis. Rubio wrote on X: 'May the Lord's strength be with him, and may the Holy Spirit guide the medical staff caring for the Holy Father.'
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his 'thoughts and prayers' in support of the Pontiff, calling him 'a voice of peace, humanity, and reason in our modern world.'
Pope Leo arrived at the hospital on Tuesday morning, smiling and waving, several hours before the operation began. He is staying in a room on the 10th floor of the building, near the papal suite, where a private chapel is located, which is currently under renovation.
The Vatican expects recovery to take about a week. His audiences have been canceled until October 20, and the operation calls into question his planned long visit to Latin America next month.
This operation was Pope Leo's first hospitalization since assuming office as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. Previously, on Sunday, after the Angelus prayer, Leo announced to those gathered in St. Peter's Square that doctors had found a 'very early stage' nodule during a medical examination. He stated: 'Doctors believe that intervention is appropriate.'
Historically, the Vatican has maintained great secrecy regarding the health of Popes, but it has begun to show more openness during the illness of his predecessor, Francis, an Argentine, who openly discussed his ailments.
Before the operation, people outside the hospital expressed concern for the Pope's condition. Georgia Faye, a 57-year-old Italian, said she was worried but added, 'However, the Holy Father is in very good hands here at the hospital because we have outstanding doctors. I will pray a lot for him.'
Joseph Purpura, 72, also expressed concern, noting: 'He is still quite young, and I didn't really expect this. I thought he was in better health,' and added that 'fortunately, it was discovered in time.'
Doubts About Trip to Latin America
The Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, led a rosary prayer for the Pope in the hospital chapel, which the Vatican broadcast. Dozens of people participated, and Reina called on all parishes in the city to join the prayer.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, informed the news agency ANSA that during a meeting on Monday, Leo was 'very calm' about his condition. The Vatican informed AFP that the nodule was found during routine medical check-ups, and no symptoms that might prompt checks of the Pope's lungs were observed.
Leo, born in Chicago and the first Pope from the USA, is known for his athletic nature and generally good health. He is scheduled to travel to South America from November 6 to 17 to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.