Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery for cancer: What is lung adenocarcinoma?
Pope Leo XIV was elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.
Pope Leo XIV, a 71-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has been diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican announced on October 13, 2026. The Pope underwent surgery in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. This type of lung cancer, known as lung adenocarcinoma, is the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lung cancer, as defined by the CDC, is a disease where cells in the lung grow uncontrollably. The Vatican stated that tissue tests during the surgery confirmed the doctors' suspicions. Following the surgery, the Pontiff regained consciousness and was moved to his hospital room, where he was resting. All public events have been cancelled until October 20, and the Pope is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately a week.
The scheduled 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17, 2026, remains uncertain.
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- Pope Leo had lobe of lung removed as doctors found cancer, Vatican says jpost.com
- Doctors discuss Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis cbsnews.com
- Breaking: Pope Leo has lobe of lung removed as doctors find cancer, Vatican says abc.net.au
- Pope Leo Has Lung Cancer, Vatican Says nytimes.com
- Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery for cancer: What is lung adenocarcinoma? thehindu.com
