Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after 'successful' surgery
The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV has lung adenocarcinoma following a successful lobectomy at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Surgeons removed a nodular lesion from the lower lobe of the pope's right lung on Tuesday, October 13. The 71-year-old pontiff is currently recovering and has been seen moving after the procedure. He is scheduled to hold his first general audience since the surgery on Wednesday. King Charles has sent a private letter to the pope, and the Boston Archdiocese has requested prayers for his recovery.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.
- ✓ The pope underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13.
- ✓ The Vatican reported the surgical procedure was successful.
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV is 71 years old.
What changed
The Vatican confirmed a specific diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma following a successful lobectomy of the lower right lung lobe.
Live updates
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Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgery
The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV has lung adenocarcinoma following a successful lobectomy at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Surgeons removed a nodular lesion from the lower lobe of the pope's right lung on Tuesday, October 13. The 71-year-old pontiff is currently recovering and has been seen moving after the procedure. He is scheduled to hold his first general audience since the surgery on Wednesday. King Charles has sent a private letter to the pope, and the Boston Archdiocese has requested prayers for his recovery.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025. He is the sovereign of Vatican City and head of the Catholic Church. This diagnosis comes after a career including missionary work in Peru and service as a cardinal.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.
- The pope underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13.
- The Vatican reported the surgical procedure was successful.
- Pope Leo XIV is 71 years old.
- The pope is scheduled to hold a general audience on Wednesday.
What to watch next
- Outcome of the general audience on Wednesday
- Further details on the cancer stage or treatment plan
- Official updates on the pope's recovery milestones
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (24)
- en.wikipedia.org — Pope - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — Pope Leo XIV - Wikipedia
- www.vatican.va — The Holy See - Vatican
- www.vaticannews.va — News about the Pope - All the latest news - Vatican News
- CBS News — Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery, Vatican says
- The New York Times — What to Know About Pope Leo’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis
- WSJ — Pope Leo Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery
- dw.com — Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after 'successful' surgery
- Yahoo — Yale chief of thoracic surgery discusses Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis
- WCVB — 'May the Lord grant him strength': Boston Archdiocese asks for prayers as Pope Leo recovers from surgery
- Yahoo — Pope's operation was successful, according to the Vatican
- ABC7 Chicago — Pope lung cancer news: Chicago doctors explain Pope Leo XIV's lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis as local Catholics offer prayers
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