Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Surgery as Tests Confirm Lung Cancer

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis in a medical bulletin following the approximately 90-minute operation, which doctors performed after detecting a lung nodule during routine medical checks.

The Vatican said the procedure was successful and that the 71-year-old pontiff had returned to his room on the hospital's 10th floor after a brief observation period. Preoperative tests had raised suspicion of cancer, and the diagnosis was confirmed during surgery, according to the Vatican's subsequent medical update.

The operation followed Leo's announcement during the Angelus blessing in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that doctors had discovered a small growth in his lung. He said the nodule had been detected early and described it as contained.

Explaining his decision to proceed with treatment, the pope told the crowd, "The doctors believe it would be right to intervene and so, following their advice, I have decided to have the operation to remove it."

The Vatican has canceled the pope's appointments through October 20 to allow time for recovery. His medical team performed the procedure at a hospital known for treating reigning popes, including John Paul II and Francis.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, met with Leo on Monday night and described the pope's response to the diagnosis as calm. Speaking to journalists, Parolin said, "Am I worried? Yes, because I certainly wasn't expecting anything like this."

Parolin also recalled their meeting, telling Rai News, "We spoke with great serenity." He said the diagnosis had come as an unexpected development but expressed hope that early detection would support treatment.

In his remarks, Parolin described the announcement as a "bolt from the blue" and praised the pope's "serenity." He also emphasized the importance of finding the condition early, saying, "Thank God it was detected immediately, so the operation could take place immediately. Normally, when these things are caught in time, they can be resolved."

Leo's diagnosis has prompted concern among Catholics gathered outside Gemelli Hospital. The pope arrived on Tuesday to crowds offering greetings and encouragement before he entered the facility for treatment.

One supporter, Carla, said she had come specifically to be near the hospital while the pope underwent surgery. She told the BBC, "He seems calm, so we are calm too - even though illness is always unpleasant." She added that she intended to remain nearby and pray.

Another supporter, Elsa, recalled hearing Leo announce his condition in St. Peter's Square. She said, "I was in St Peter's Square when he made the announcement, and I felt really awful." She also described her reaction, saying, "I was really taken aback," and added, "It turns out he's vulnerable too."

The pope is generally considered to have been in good health and has continued public and international engagements in recent months. He traveled to France in September and is scheduled to undertake a 12-day visit to South America in November, covering 10 cities, including Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and bishop.

Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo said on social media that he had met Leo on Monday and that the pontiff had felt physically well. According to Kikuchi, the pope wanted to proceed with surgery promptly because of his planned November journey.

Wednesday's weekly papal audience is scheduled to be led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who was elected dean of the College of Cardinals the previous week. The Vatican has not announced any change to the audience arrangements beyond the pope's canceled appointments through October 20.