Details on Pope Leo’s lung cancer diagnosis

By Easton Martin

Surgeons at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo XIV’s right lung on Tuesday after laboratory tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Holy See announced.

​Lead surgeon Professor Stefano Margaritora completed the 90-minute operation without complications, employing a video-assisted technique intended to eradicate the localized disease. Rapid pathology evaluations conducted during the procedure verified the malignant growth, aligning with preliminary medical suspicions. Vatican spokespersons confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff awoke smoothly from anesthesia and continues his recovery in a private room.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, emphasized that medical teams detected the nodule early, allowing immediate surgical intervention. The Vatican suspended all papal audiences and public appearances through October 20 while doctors monitor his postoperative progress. Physicians expect the pontiff to remain hospitalized for roughly one week before returning to his residence. ​

Vatican administrators confirmed that routine governance operations continue across all dicasteries while the bishop of Rome recovers.