Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican has announced, following an operation to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, after doctors examined a nodule discovered during medical tests. The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung during the procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
According to the Vatican’s medical bulletin, the cancer was suspected before surgery and confirmed during the operation. The procedure was successful, with his recovery expected to take about a week.
All the pope’s public engagements have been cancelled until October 20, although his planned trip to South America in November is still expected to proceed.
Leo had disclosed his health concerns to worshippers during a prayer service at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, but the cancer diagnosis became public only after the surgery.
His openness about his health marks a departure from the Vatican’s traditionally guarded approach to disclosing information about the medical conditions of sitting popes.
