Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery for lung cancer, with the Vatican confirming the procedure was successful. The 71-year-old pontiff, diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, had a lower lobe of his right lung removed during a 90-minute operation at Rome's Gemelli hospital. The Vatican stated there were no complications and that the pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, followed a routine health check that revealed the tumor. The Vatican confirmed the entire lower lobe of the right lung was removed to eliminate all cancerous tissue. The pope's condition is described as stable, with no symptoms of infection or illness, and his public engagements have been canceled until October 20.
The Vatican has not disclosed the tumor's size or whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, key factors in determining prognosis. The pope's health remains a concern for many, but the Vatican has emphasized his serenity and confidence in his recovery. The incident has raised questions about the health of a leader who is generally considered fit and active, with no prior known health issues.