Pope Leo XIV, 71, undergoes surgery to remove a lung cancer nodule at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The procedure, confirmed by Vatican sources, involved the removal of part of his right lung. The operation, which lasted three hours, was successful with no complications reported.
The surgery, performed by Dr. Stefano Margaritora and a team at Gemelli Hospital, confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma. Preoperative tests had already indicated the possibility of cancer, and the diagnosis was confirmed during the operation. Leo, who was elected as the first American pope in 2025, made the announcement during Sunday prayers.
Vatican officials stated that the cancer is localized and detected early, with no signs of spread. The Pope is expected to recover within a week, though further tests will determine the full extent of the condition. All audiences have been canceled until October 20 as the Church awaits results from post-surgery assessments.