Catholics pray for Pope Leo following lung cancer diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing a 90-minute surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The operation, which took place on October 13, 2026, was described as successful and completed without complications, according to the Vatican, the Pope's lead surgeon Stefano Margaritora, and his personal physician Luigi Carbone. The 71-year-old pontiff had been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital after doctors discovered a growth during a recent routine health check.

The diagnosis has caused shock among world leaders, senior cardinals, and Catholics globally. Following the surgery, an open-air Mass was held in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday to recite prayers for the Pope's healing and convalescence. At Gemelli University Hospital, people have led prayers and left flowers and candles at a statue of John Paul II.

The type of tumor removed, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, is noted by the American Lung Association as a primary lung cancer rather than cancer that has spread from another source. It is the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer. The Vatican stated that the Pope spent a peaceful night in the hospital and planned to release further information regarding his condition.

Brief written by urgent.news from CBS News, Malay Mail, NPR, Business Recorder, France 24 — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.