Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has lung adenocarcinoma after surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung

13 October 2026

Pope Leo XIV underwent a 90-minute operation on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove a lung nodule.
The Vatican said in a medical bulletin that the whole lower lobe of the right lung was removed and the operation was successful with no complications.
Tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, which had been suspected before surgery.
The Pope announced the operation himself from the balcony of St Peter's Square after the Angelus on Sunday, saying the nodule was found at a very early stage.
He is expected to remain in hospital for about a week.