VATICAN CONFIRMS POPE LEO XIV HAS LUNG CANCER FOLLOWING SURGERY AT GEMELLI
The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has lung adenocarcinoma after surgery at Gemelli Hospital, with engagements cancelled through October 20.
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Doctors confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has lung adenocarcinoma after examining tissue removed during surgery. The diagnosis had been suspected following earlier medical examinations, according to the Vatican.
The operation was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, together with a medical team that included Dr Luigi Carbone. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes, although the Pope remained in the operating room for approximately three hours.
The Vatican said the Pope regained consciousness normally after surgery and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation. He also spent the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff.
The diagnosis has raised questions about the Pope’s longer-term health and upcoming engagements. However, the Vatican has not disclosed the tumour’s stage or confirmed whether the cancer has spread beyond the affected lung.
Doctors are expected to conduct further examinations on the removed tissue to guide decisions about any additional treatment.
Pope Leo XIV, who became head of the Catholic Church in May 2025, is expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week. His public engagements have been cancelled through October 20 as he continues his recovery.
The Vatican has indicated that his immediate postoperative progress is normal, but further medical assessments will be important in determining the next steps in his treatment.
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Written by Anne Moses
Reporter and staff writer at Getembe News.
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