What to Know About Pope Leo's Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Surgeons removed part of the Pontiff’s right lung and reported he had adenocarcinoma.
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on June 7, 2026, at Gemelli Hospital in Rome after a nodule was discovered in his lung. Dr. Stefano Margaritora, a professor of thoracic surgery at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, led the operation, which involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung. The tissue from the surgery was found to contain adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer that accounts for 40% to 45% of all lung cancer cases globally.
Lung adenocarcinoma tends to grow more slowly and spread less quickly than other types of lung cancer, making early detection crucial for better outcomes. Current guidelines recommend low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals, such as those who are 50 years or older and have a history of heavy smoking.
However, some groups advocate for broader screening among higher-risk individuals, including younger non-smokers who may have been exposed to other risk factors. The Pope's treatment options will depend on the results of further tests on the removed tissue. In general, early-stage lung adenocarcinoma may be managed with surgery and monitoring for recurrence, while more advanced cases may require additional treatments like targeted therapies or immunotherapy.
Given the Pope's active lifestyle before the surgery, experts believe he should be able to return to his daily activities with very little limitation after treatment.
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