Pope Leo XIV of the Vatican has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgery to remove part of his right lung. The 71-year-old pope, who is expected to recover within a week, has had all suspect tissue removed in an effort to eliminate cancerous traces. The procedure, which lasted 90 minutes, was successful with no complications reported.
The surgery, conducted at Rome's Gemelli hospital, followed a preoperative suspicion of cancer. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis during the operation, with the lower lobe of the right lung removed using a video-assisted technique. The Vatican has not yet provided details on the cancer's stage or whether it has spread to lymph nodes. Pope Leo, who is set to travel to Latin America in November, has canceled all public events until October 20.
The Vatican has not yet disclosed the full extent of the cancer, including tumor size and lymph node involvement. A medical expert noted that without this information, it is difficult to assess the prognosis. The pope's health remains a concern as he continues to manage a busy schedule, including an upcoming 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.