Pope Leo has lung cancer, the Vatican announces after surgery
Pope Leo XIV is recovering as expected at Rome's Gemelli Hospital and has begun respiratory physiotherapy after undergoing surgery to remove a nodule and the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican announced following the procedure that tests confirmed a lung cancer diagnosis. The pontiff had a peaceful night in the hospital after the operation. Bishops around the world have asked for prayers for his health, and Tagle is set to lead a Vatican Mass during the hospitalization.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed during surgery at Gemelli Hospital.
- ✓ The Vatican announced that the pope is recovering as expected and has begun respiratory physiotherapy.
- ✓ Pope Leo had a peaceful night in the hospital following the operation.
What changed
The Vatican officially announced that post-surgery tests confirmed Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer following the removal of his right lung lobe.
Live updates
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Vatican Announces Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
Pope Leo XIV is recovering as expected at Rome's Gemelli Hospital and has begun respiratory physiotherapy after undergoing surgery to remove a nodule and the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican announced following the procedure that tests confirmed a lung cancer diagnosis. The pontiff had a peaceful night in the hospital after the operation. Bishops around the world have asked for prayers for his health, and Tagle is set to lead a Vatican Mass during the hospitalization.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV departed the Vatican to undergo the scheduled operation at Gemelli Hospital after initial plans to remove a lung nodule were announced. The unexpected cancer diagnosis and subsequent removal of a lung lobe represent a significant health challenge for the pontiff. Church leaders and global congregations have responded by organizing prayer campaigns while routine Vatican events and masses proceed under other leaders.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed during surgery at Gemelli Hospital.
- The Vatican announced that the pope is recovering as expected and has begun respiratory physiotherapy.
- Pope Leo had a peaceful night in the hospital following the operation.
What to watch next
- Further medical bulletins from the Vatican regarding the pope's post-operative recovery and pathology results.
- Statements on the timeline for Pope Leo XIV's discharge from Gemelli Hospital and resumption of official duties.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (17)
- www.nbcnews.com — NBC News - Breaking Headlines and Video Reports on World, U.S....
- AP News — Pope Leo XIV will have surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule on his lung
- www.ewtnnews.com — Pope Leo XIV lung surgery: Live updates and reactions
- The New York Times — Pope Leo Prepares for Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule
- WSJ — Pope Leo Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery
- NPR — Pope Leo has lung cancer, the Vatican announces after surgery
- Yahoo — Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery for lung cancer
- The Catholic Thing — Bishops around the world ask for prayers for Pope Leo XIV’s health
- Inquirer.net — Tagle to lead Vatican Mass amid Pope’s hospitalization, cancer diagnosis
- www.bbc.com — Pope admitted to hospital for surgery to remove lump on his lung
- abcnews.com — Pope Leo departs Vatican ahead of operation to remove nodule
- www.cbsnews.com — Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery
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