Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery for lung cancer at Gemelli Hospital, with doctors removing the lower lobe of his right lung, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office published by Vatican News.
The Vatican said the operation took place on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, after medical examinations raised suspicions of lung adenocarcinoma.
Doctors confirmed the diagnosis through a tissue examination performed during the procedure.
“An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the preoperative examinations,” the medical statement said.
Doctors Remove Lower Lobe of Right Lung
The surgical team removed the affected lung lobe using a video-assisted technique, according to the Vatican.
Doctors said the procedure was completed successfully without complications.
The Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes.
Lung adenocarcinoma develops in glandular cells, including cells that produce mucus in the lungs.
Pope Returns to Hospital Room
Following the operation, the Pope awoke normally and remained under observation for a short period before returning to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.
The Vatican said he was served dinner and spent the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff.
Medical Team Named
Professor Stefano Margaritora led the surgical team, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella.
The anaesthesia team comprised Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr Giovanni Punzo and Dr Giuseppe Bello.
Further Examination Results Awaited
The Holy See said additional examination results would be released as they became available.
The statement did not disclose the cancer’s stage, whether it had spread beyond the removed tissue or whether further treatment would be required.
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