Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Lung Surgery After Cancer Diagnosis in Rome

Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Tuesday after doctors removed a small nodule from his right lung and confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said. The 71-year-old pontiff had part of his lung removed during the procedure.

According to the Holy See Press Office, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope's right lung using a video-assisted technique. The tissue examination performed during the operation confirmed the diagnosis, matching preoperative test findings.

The Vatican said the operation lasted about 90 minutes within an approximately three-hour period in the operating room. Doctors reported the procedure was successful, with no complications, and said Leo returned to his hospital room after brief observation.

Leo had previously addressed the condition after an Angelus address at St. Peter's Square, explaining that doctors had identified the lung issue at an early stage. He said the medical team advised surgery to remove the affected area.

"Doctors found a small lump in the lung. It was identified at a very early stage and well situated." Leo said during his remarks.

After describing the discovery, Leo explained that the procedure had been scheduled based on medical advice and thanked people for their support. The pope's recovery is being monitored at the hospital.

"The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene and so, following their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it. The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I rely on your prayer." Leo said during his remarks.

The Vatican's statement came as a surprise because Leo had no previously known health problems and maintained an active lifestyle, including playing tennis and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York expressed support for the pope after the operation and said the pontiff remained in the prayers of Catholics in his archdiocese and beyond.

"In our prayers." Archbishop Ronald Hicks said, offering support for Pope Leo.

Hicks also thanked God for the successful procedure and highlighted the pope's continued recovery following surgery. His comments came as the Vatican provided updates on Leo's condition.

"We thank God that the surgery on Pope Leo was, by all accounts, successful, and that he continues his recovery and recuperation. I know that I join with people from all corners of this archdiocese, across the country, and around the world in keeping the Holy Father in our prayers." Archbishop Ronald Hicks said.

The Vatican also said Leo is scheduled for an international trip from Nov. 6–17, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It remains unclear whether his surgery and recovery will affect those plans.

During recent remarks, Leo also renewed his appeal for peace in war-torn Ukraine, warning that the conflict continues to affect people beyond the country's borders, particularly in poorer countries dependent on grain exports.

"The war in the martyred Ukraine continues to create suffering, even beyond its borders, especially in the poorest countries, where many people depend on the exports of cereals and grains." Leo said.