Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer, Vatican says

Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery after lung cancer diagnosis

Cyberzenhub.com – Pope Leo XIV has had surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said Tuesday. The operation at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital was completed without complications.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a minimally invasive, camera-assisted procedure led by Professor Stefano Margaritora and the hospital’s thoracic surgery team. He spent about three hours in the operating room, while the surgical portion lasted roughly 90 minutes.

“The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected by the preoperative tests.”

Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said the surgery was successful. Afterward, Pope Leo woke up as anticipated and was taken back to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.

Procedure followed discovery of a lung nodule

The Pope left the Vatican on Tuesday and was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for the planned intervention. Video released by Vatican News showed him arriving at the facility, greeting and shaking hands with hospital staff.

Before the operation, the Vatican said the thoracic surgery team would remove a nodule discovered on the Pope’s lung. Leo had explained Sunday that doctors found the nodule at a very early stage and that it appeared to be well localized.

“The doctors think it is opportune to intervene,” Pope Leo said.

A lung, or pulmonary, nodule is a small area of dense tissue in the lung. Such nodules can result from causes including old scar tissue, irritation, inflammation, infections or cancer. Many are benign, and imaging examinations such as chest X-rays and CT scans help doctors identify and assess them.

Clinical decisions can vary depending on a nodule’s size, appearance, growth pattern and suspected cause. Some patients undergo regular monitoring, while others may receive medication or surgery. In Leo’s case, preoperative findings prompted doctors to recommend an operation.

Diagnosis confirmed during surgery

The diagnosis was established through an intraoperative histological examination, a rapid test carried out while surgery is under way. During this process, a pathologist freezes and cuts a tissue sample for immediate examination, allowing the surgical team to receive prompt information before the procedure concludes.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer. It represents about 40% of lung cancer cases and generally develops in the outer areas of the lungs. Because it often grows more slowly than certain other forms of lung cancer, it may be identified before it has spread.

The removal of the lower right lung lobe was intended to address the cancer detected during testing. The Vatican’s initial update described the procedure as proceeding on schedule and in line with the medical plan.

“The procedure was successfully completed, on schedule and as planned, and the Holy Father has returned to his room,” the Vatican press office said.

Prayers held at the hospital

As the Pope recovered, a Rosary prayer was held Tuesday evening in the Gemelli Hospital chapel. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, attended the service and invited those present to pray for Leo as well as for other patients receiving care at the hospital.

“Together, let us raise our prayer that the Lord may sustain our bishop, Pope Leo, and bring comfort to all those who are hospitalized here,” Reina said. “May Mary, Health of the Sick and Mother of the Church, accompany our prayer and teach us to remain steadfast in love.”

The Vatican had anticipated that Leo’s hospital recovery would last about a week. His medical team will continue to oversee his postoperative care following the removal of part of his lung.

Gemelli Hospital has long played a significant role in papal medical care and is one of Rome’s leading university hospitals. Leo’s admission drew attention from Catholics in Rome and around the world, with the Vatican providing updates on his condition as the planned procedure took place.

The successful operation marks the immediate conclusion of the surgical stage of treatment. The Vatican’s statements emphasized that there were no complications during the procedure and that the Pope had returned to his hospital room after waking. Further medical decisions will depend on his recovery and the care plan established by his doctors.