Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung cancer surgery in Rome

Surgery Details

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican stated in a medical bulletin that the 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following the operation. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes, with the Pope in the operating room for roughly three hours. According to the Vatican, the surgery was successful and there were no complications.

Medical Team and Recovery

A team led by Gemelli's chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, performed the operation. The Vatican noted that the entire lower lobe of the right lung was removed to ensure the procedure was thorough. After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned to his room on the 10th floor following a brief period of observation. The Vatican press office reported that he is staying in a nearby room because the usual papal apartment on the 10th floor is currently undergoing renovations. The Vatican has already cancelled all audiences for the Pope through October 20 to give him time to recover.

Background and Context

Pope Leo XIV had publicly announced the discovery of the small, localized nodule himself during his Sunday noon prayer from the balcony in St Peter's Square after delivering the Angelus blessing, stating it was found at a very early stage. The lump was initially detected during routine checks. Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo mentioned that the pontiff felt nothing wrong physically and wanted the surgery done quickly to keep his planned trip to Latin America in early November. This trip includes a visit to Peru, where the Pope previously served as a missionary and Bishop.