Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule, confirming a diagnosis of lung cancer, according to the Vatican. The 90-minute procedure was successful, with the lower lobe of his right lung removed. The Vatican reported no complications and that the pope is recovering well.
The operation, conducted at Rome's Gemelli hospital, confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Doctors stated the aim was to eliminate all cancerous tissue, with no immediate changes to the pope's hospitalization schedule, set for one week. The Vatican will provide an update on Wednesday.
The pope's health is a significant concern for the global Catholic community, with prayers and well-wishes from worldwide leaders. The Vatican has not yet disclosed the full extent of the cancer, including whether it has spread, but the surgery was described as curative. The pope's upcoming trip to South America is pending further medical assessment.
The Vatican has not yet provided details on the cancer's stage or whether additional treatment is needed. While the surgery was successful, the full implications of the diagnosis remain under scrutiny, with the pope's health closely monitored as he continues his recovery.