Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said on 13 October 2026.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors discovered a growth during a routine medical examination. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes and was completed without complications, according to a medical bulletin issued by the Vatican.

Doctors said the Pope regained consciousness normally after the operation and returned to his hospital room to recover. He is expected to remain in hospital for about a week.

The diagnosis was confirmed after tissue tests conducted during the operation, according to the Vatican statement. The Holy See has not disclosed the tumour’s size, whether the cancer has spread or whether further treatment will be required.

The operation marks a significant health development for Leo, who was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025. His public engagements have been cancelled during his recovery, with the Vatican saying he would remain in hospital for approximately one week.

Pope had revealed lung nodule before surgery

Leo announced on 11 October that doctors had discovered a localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. Speaking after the Sunday Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, he said the nodule had been detected at an early stage and was well localised.

He said his doctors had recommended surgery and that he had decided to follow their advice. The operation was scheduled for 13 October, with the Pope expected to spend about a week in hospital afterwards.

The Vatican’s initial announcement described the growth as a “small, localised lung nodule” and said the operation would require changes to the Pope’s schedule. The subsequent medical bulletin confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

What is lung adenocarcinoma?

Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small-cell lung cancer that develops in cells lining the lungs. It is one of the most common forms of lung cancer.

The Vatican said surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. The procedure was intended to remove the cancerous tissue.

The extent of the disease and the need for additional treatment were not disclosed in the Vatican’s announcement. Doctors typically consider factors including tumour size, lymph-node involvement and whether the cancer has spread when determining its stage and treatment plan.

Reuters reported that medical experts could not assess the Pope’s prognosis from the diagnosis alone because the Vatican had not released details about the tumour’s size or whether lymph nodes were involved.

Public engagements cancelled during recovery

The Pope’s hospitalisation has affected his public schedule. The Vatican had announced before the operation that his hospital stay would require adjustments to planned events.

A Mass scheduled for 14 October in St Peter’s Square, involving participants in a Church meeting marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia, was to be led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle instead of the Pope.

The Vatican also said the Pope wanted to hear the meeting’s conclusions before the synthesis report was published. The report’s publication was therefore postponed to allow him to review its contents and offer his reflections after leaving hospital.

His planned 11-day visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November was also in question following the diagnosis and surgery, although no cancellation was confirmed in the reports available on 13 October.

Leo became pope in May 2025

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Leo was elected the 267th pope on 8 May 2025, succeeding Pope Francis, who died in April that year.

Before his election, Leo spent decades working as a missionary and church leader in Peru, including serving as bishop of Chiclayo. He later held a senior position in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops.

Leo is the first pope born in the United States. His election followed the conclave held after Francis’s death at the age of 88.

The Vatican has not announced any change to Leo’s status as head of the Catholic Church during his recovery. Church administration continues while he is in hospital, although decisions requiring the Pope’s direct approval may have to wait until he is able to act.