Vatican Confirms Pope Leo Has Lung Cancer After Surgery in Rome

Pope Leo XIV underwent lung surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, where doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after tests confirmed cancer. The Vatican said the 71-year-old pontiff returned to his room after a successful procedure without complications.

The Holy See Press Office said doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora performed the thoracic surgery. According to the Vatican medical bulletin, the operation lasted about three hours, including roughly 90 minutes of surgery.

The Vatican medical statement explained that the removed lung nodule was diagnosed during surgery after earlier tests raised suspicion. The bulletin said the procedure was completed as planned and that Leo was recovering in his hospital room.

"The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected by the preoperative tests" stated the Vatican medical team led by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora.

The doctors also reported that the surgery itself went smoothly and no unexpected issues occurred during the operation. The pontiff is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week, while his public audiences were canceled through October 20.

"The surgery was successful, and there were no complications" stated the Vatican medical bulletin.

The Vatican had announced before the operation that Leo would enter Gemelli Hospital for removal of a small localized lung nodule. He arrived at the hospital and greeted staff and well-wishers before the procedure.

"As announced, Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital" stated the Vatican press office.

After the operation, the Vatican provided an update that the planned medical procedure had concluded and the pope had returned to his room for recovery.

"The procedure was successfully completed, on schedule and as planned, and the Holy Father has returned to his room" stated the Vatican press office.

Leo had previously disclosed the lung nodule during a Sunday prayer appearance, saying doctors found the issue at an early stage and recommended surgical removal. The Vatican said the discovery came during medical checks.

"A very initial phase" said Pope Leo XIV when describing the timing of the lung nodule discovery.

The pope also described the condition as localized before undergoing surgery, according to his earlier remarks. Medical specialists noted that early removal of localized lung cancer can influence treatment decisions.

"Well localized" said Pope Leo XIV when explaining the condition of the lung nodule.

Leo said doctors advised intervention after finding the abnormality. His decision to proceed with surgery was made after following medical recommendations.

"The doctors think it is opportune to intervene" said Pope Leo XIV.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said he was struck by the pope's calm approach after hearing about the planned procedure. Parolin expressed confidence while offering support for Leo during his recovery.

"We are confident" said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

Parolin also described the support surrounding the pontiff during his hospitalization. The Vatican reported that prayers were held at the hospital chapel during Leo's treatment.

"And of course we all accompany him with our prayers and our affection" said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

Cardinal Baldassare Reina led a Rosary prayer at the hospital chapel as Leo recovered. He asked for prayers for the pope and other hospitalized patients.

"Together, let us raise our prayer that the Lord may sustain our bishop, Pope Leo, and bring comfort to all those who are hospitalized here" said Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome.

Reina continued the prayer by asking for spiritual support and comfort through the intercession of Mary. The pope's recovery remains under medical supervision at Gemelli Hospital.

"May Mary, Health of the Sick and Mother of the Church, accompany our prayer and teach us to remain steadfast in love" said Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff in May 2025. The Chicago native had been known as physically active before his first publicly disclosed major health issue during his papacy.