The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following a surgical procedure at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital. Medical teams successfully removed the lower lobe of the 71-year-old pontiff’s right lung after preoperative tests detected a localized nodule.
Surgery Confirms Lung Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis
According to a joint statement released by the Vatican from Dr. Stefano Margaritora—chief thoracic surgeon at Gemelli Hospital—and Dr. Luigi Carbone, examination of the removed tissue confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Oncologists noted that because the growth was detected and removed at an early stage while still localized, the pope’s prognosis is generally favorable.
Pope Leo, who serves as the first American pope, is widely known for maintaining an active lifestyle and was previously considered to be in good health. However, the unexpected announcement of the operation and subsequent cancer diagnosis has generated widespread concern and global attention.
Medical Background and Family History
While Pope Leo is not known to have a history of smoking, medical background information highlights a family history of cancer. On the day of the announcement, the Vatican disclosed that the pope’s older brother, Louis, is currently hospitalized in Florida with a form of cancer. Additionally, their mother, Mildred, passed away from cancer in 1990 at the age of 77.
Prayers and messages of support have poured in from around the world, coming from presidents, prime ministers, religious leaders, and Catholic faithful alike.
Upcoming Travel Plans and Next Steps
The diagnosis comes less than a month before Pope Leo was scheduled to depart for South America on November 6 for what would mark the longest international trip of his pontificate, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. As of Tuesday evening, the Vatican has not yet announced whether the health development will prompt any changes to the upcoming itinerary.
Medical teams continue to monitor the pontiff’s recovery following the procedure at Gemelli Hospital, with further updates expected from the Holy See as his recuperation progresses.
