Pope Leo, 71, is recovering from surgery to remove part of his lung due to cancer. The operation, which lasted 90 minutes, was successful with no complications. The Vatican confirmed the procedure and stated further details will be released later.
The Pope was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during the operation. The Vatican has not disclosed the size of the tumor or whether the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes. The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week.
The Vatican has canceled all public engagements until October 20. The Pope, elected in 2025, is the head of 1.4 billion Catholics and does not have a deputy. The Vatican's bureaucracy continues as usual when the Pope is incapacitated. A mass was held in St. Peter's Square in his absence.