Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday, 13 October.
The Holy See Press Office said examination of tissue during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer which doctors had suspected following preoperative examinations.
Surgeons removed the affected lobe using a video-assisted technique to ensure complete removal of the lesion. The Vatican described the operation as successful and said there were no complications.
The Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, with the procedure itself lasting around 90 minutes.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. His public audiences have been cancelled through 20 October while he recovers.
Pope Leo had announced during his Sunday Angelus address that doctors had discovered a small, well-localised lung nodule during recent medical examinations. He said it had been detected at a very early stage and that he had accepted medical advice to undergo surgery.
The latest bulletin confirms the cancer diagnosis but does not disclose its stage or indicate whether further treatment will be required.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
Leave a Reply