Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung cancer surgery in Rome

UPDATE - follow-up to Pope Leo has lung cancer, lower lobe of right lung removed: Vatican: Pope Leo XIV had the lower lobe of his right lung removed after medical tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Surgery Details

The Vatican stated that the operation at Rome's Gemelli Hospital was completed successfully without any complications. The 71-year-old pontiff spent about three hours in the operating room, with the surgery itself lasting approximately 90 minutes. A team led by Gemelli's chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, performed the procedure. The Vatican noted that the entire lower lobe was removed to ensure the procedure was radical, and further tests are being carried out to check if the cancer has spread.

Hospital Stay

Before entering the hospital, the Pope walked through the main entrance and waved to well-wishers and crowds waiting outside. He is expected to remain in the hospital for about a week to recover. All papal audiences have been cancelled through October 20. Because the usual papal apartment on the 10th floor is currently undergoing renovations, the Pope is staying in a nearby room instead.

Context

Lung adenocarcinoma is a common form of non-small cell lung cancer that often begins in the outer parts of the lungs. Medical screenings and routine checks frequently detect such nodules at early stages when surgical removal offers a strong chance of recovery.