Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after successful surgery

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital after doctors discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. The Vatican confirmed Tuesday evening that an examination of the tissue during surgery identified the growth as lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.

The operation was successful, with no complications reported. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung in a procedure intended to eliminate the tumor. The Vatican said Leo regained consciousness normally and returned to his hospital room following a period of observation.

Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter

Although the news of a cancer diagnosis raises concerns about the pope’s health, important questions remain about the extent of the disease and whether he will need additional treatment.

According to the Associated Press and EWTN News, doctors have not announced plans for chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. Further postoperative testing, including examinations to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, will help guide decisions about what comes next.

A diagnosis following an early warning

The announcement follows the pope’s disclosure on Sunday, October 11, that doctors had found a small lung nodule during a recent medical examination.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square after the Angelus prayer, Leo said the growth had been detected at a very early stage and was well localized. On his doctors’ advice, he decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

At that time, the Vatican had not disclosed whether the nodule was cancerous.

You may like these Chicago Star articles:

• The Peninsula Chicago celebrates 25 years in delightfully decadent style

• Two boutique hotels planned for Northalsted district

• Chicago honors architect Lucien Lagrange with street named in his honor

• Janet Mandell brings fashion, famous faces and Chicago flair to riverfront

The subsequent diagnosis was confirmed during Tuesday’s operation, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office. The procedure itself lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the pope spent about three hours in the operating room, including preparation and recovery.

Lung adenocarcinoma develops in cells that line the small airways and air sacs of the lungs. It is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Its outlook varies considerably depending on factors such as the stage at diagnosis, whether the cancer has spread and how completely it can be removed.

The pope’s diagnosis does not, by itself, establish the stage of his cancer or guarantee that surgery will be his only treatment.

What the diagnosis means for the papacy

Leo is expected to need time to recover before resuming his regular schedule. His public audiences have been canceled through October 20, according to the Associated Press, as he recuperates at Gemelli Hospital.

The medical development also raises questions about his upcoming international travel. The pope had been scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 through 17. The status of that trip will depend on his recovery and any further medical recommendations.

Elected on May 8, 2025, Leo became the first American pope and the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His first year as pontiff has included an active schedule of public appearances, pastoral engagements and international responsibilities.

For Catholics around the world, the news brings a renewed focus on the health of the man leading a Church of approximately 1.4 billion members. The Vatican has not announced any change in Leo’s status as pope.

As the medical team awaits further test results, the immediate priority is his recovery and determining whether the surgery has addressed the cancer or whether additional treatment will be needed.

For now, the Vatican has confirmed a successful operation and a cancer diagnosis, but the longer-term prognosis remains unclear. Further medical updates are expected as doctors evaluate the results of postoperative testing.