Pope Leo spent a peaceful night in the hospital after surgery to remove cancer, Vatican says
Pope Leo XIV spent a tranquil night in the hospital following surgery to remove lung cancer, according to statements from the Vatican. Medical professionals report that the pontiff is recovering as expected and is already up and walking after undergoing a lobectomy at Gemelli Hospital. Local Catholics have offered prayers as the head of the worldwide Catholic Church faces this health challenge. The successful thoracic surgery confirmed a lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis, bringing a new phase of medical care for the papal office.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV spent a peaceful night in the hospital following surgery to remove cancer, according to the Vatican.
- ✓ Doctors report that the pope is walking and recovering as expected after undergoing a lobectomy at Gemelli Hospital.
- ✓ The Vatican confirmed the lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis following successful thoracic surgery.
What changed
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo spent a peaceful night in the hospital and is recovering as expected following his lung cancer surgery.
Live updates
-
Pope Leo Spends Peaceful Night After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV spent a tranquil night in the hospital following surgery to remove lung cancer, according to statements from the Vatican. Medical professionals report that the pontiff is recovering as expected and is already up and walking after undergoing a lobectomy at Gemelli Hospital. Local Catholics have offered prayers as the head of the worldwide Catholic Church faces this health challenge. The successful thoracic surgery confirmed a lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis, bringing a new phase of medical care for the papal office.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2025, during the second day of the papal conclave as the successor to lead the worldwide Catholic Church. The diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma and subsequent surgical treatment introduce a period of health uncertainty for the Vatican City State. Medical advancements in pulmonary care now surround the treatment path for the supreme pontiff.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV spent a peaceful night in the hospital following surgery to remove cancer, according to the Vatican.
- Doctors report that the pope is walking and recovering as expected after undergoing a lobectomy at Gemelli Hospital.
- The Vatican confirmed the lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis following successful thoracic surgery.
What to watch next
- Further medical bulletins from the Vatican regarding Pope Leo's post-operative recovery timeline
- Updates on when the pope might be discharged from Gemelli Hospital
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (13)
- en.wikipedia.org — Pope - Wikipedia
- www.vatican.va — The Holy See - Vatican
- www.vaticannews.va — News about the Pope - All the latest news - Vatican News
- en.wikipedia.org — List of popes - Wikipedia
- ABC7 Chicago — Pope lung cancer news: Chicago doctors explain Pope Leo XIV's lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis as local Catholics offer prayers
- The Washington Post — What to know about pulmonary adenocarcinoma
- Reuters — Pope Leo had peaceful night in hospital after lung cancer surgery
- NBC News — Pope Leo spends a peaceful night in the hospital after cancer surgery
- AP News — Pope Leo spent ‘a tranquil night’ in the hospital after cancer surgery, Vatican says
- BBC — Pope walking and recovering 'as expected' after surgery, doctors say
- The Washington Post — Pope Leo’s cancer diagnosis brings uncertainty to the Vatican
- The New York Times — A New World of Lung Cancer Therapy Awaits Pope Leo
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community