Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery after lung cancer diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV, who is 71 years old, has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and underwent successful surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Tuesday. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique, which took around 90 minutes. The operation was described as successful with no complications, according to the Vatican.

The Pope is scheduled to begin a tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru on November 6, which has not been altered due to the surgery. A histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma after the surgery. Further tests are being conducted to determine if the cancer has spread. Pope Leo XIV announced the detection of a lung nodule at an early stage and its localized nature on Sunday.

The Vatican quoted Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, who met with the Pope on Monday, saying the Pope chose the surgery as soon as possible to ensure he could complete his South American trip. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, expressed concern but acknowledged the Pope's serenity during this time. This is the first significant health issue disclosed since the Pope's papacy began in May 2025.