WORLD IN BRIEF: Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer, ex-gang leader jailed for Tupac murder, Malawi fuel shortages disrupt transport and other stories

Pope Leo XIV, 71, underwent successful surgery on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Rome’s Gemelli hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican announced that the operation was successful and occurred without complications. MercoPress reports the procedure used a video-assisted technique and lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the Pope spent about three hours in the operating room. Following the surgery and a period of observation, the Pope returned to his hospital room.

A medical bulletin from the Holy See confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a finding verified by histological examination during the operation. This follows a Sunday announcement by the Pope that a lung nodule had been detected at a well-localized, early stage. According to a Vatican source cited by MercoPress, further testing is being conducted to determine if there are any signs the cancer has spread.

The Vatican stated the Pope is expected to remain in the hospital for approximately one week, and his schedule has been cleared until October 20. MercoPress notes that the upcoming tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, scheduled to begin in three weeks, has not been changed.

Brief written by urgent.news from CBS News, MercoPress, People Daily Kenya, PBS NewsHour, PBS NewsHour Health — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.