Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing a 90-minute operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin.
Tissue tests conducted during the surgery confirmed the diagnosis, which doctors had suspected based on preoperative examinations. An examination of tissue samples conducted during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, consistent with doctors’ suspicions before the surgery, according to the medical bulletin. Leo was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday for surgery to remove a growth detected during a recent health check-up.
However, the statement did not provide any further details about his condition. The 71-year-old pontiff has lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The procedure lasted around 90 minutes and was completed without complications.
The Vatican initially said the procedure had been successful before releasing further details from the pope’s lead surgeon, Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at the hospital. Margaritora said the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung was removed using a video-assisted surgical technique, with the procedure aimed at curing the condition. The Vatican said the pope regained consciousness normally and was resting in his hospital room.
Earlier reporting noted: Tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin after the surgery. It said the diagnosis had been suspected based on preoperative tests and was confirmed during surgery. Earlier reporting noted: Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgery after cancer diagnosis Image: X.com Earlier reporting noted: Pope Leo XIV under went successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday after an examination confirmed he had lung cancer.
He was seen waving from the rear of a black SUV as his convoy passed through the streets of Rome. Upon reaching the hospital, he shook hands with several officials and walked past a group of well-wishers who greeted him and wished him a speedy recovery. Leo departed the Vatican shortly before 1 pm local time on Tuesday and travelled around nine kilometres north to Gemelli Hospital.
