Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove a portion of his right lung at a Rome hospital.
Key facts
- •Pope Leo XIV is 71 years old and was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma following surgery on October 13.
- •The procedure took place at Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome and involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung.
- •The surgery was described as successful and complication-free, with the operation itself lasting about 90 minutes.
- •The Pope is expected to spend a week in the hospital while further exams are conducted on the removed tissue.
- •No official announcements have been made regarding whether the Pope will need any further treatment.
Pope Leo XIV, 71, was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung on Tuesday, October 13. The Vatican announced that the diagnosis was confirmed through tissue testing following pre-operative examinations at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome.
By the numbers
Surgery and Hospital Recovery
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a video-assisted procedure led by Professor Stephano Margaritora and Dr. Luigi Carbone, Director of Vatican Healthcare Services. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung during an operation that lasted around 90 minutes within a three-hour total time in the operating room. According to Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni, the surgery was successful and without complications. The Pope spent a calm first night after asking for dinner following the procedure and spending the evening with secretaries and Vatican staff.
Medical Details and Outlook
The condition was identified as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, which is the most common subtype of lung cancer globally and accounts for approximately 40% of all diagnoses. Medical teams are conducting further examinations on the removed tissue in the days following the operation. The Vatican stated that Pope Leo is expected to remain hospitalized for a week, while no announcements have been made yet regarding whether he will require additional treatment.
Timeline
- October 13Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic to remove a nodule from his right lung.
- TuesdayDoctors confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma through tissue testing.
- Following the surgeryThe Pope spent a calm first night and began a planned week of hospitalization for tissue examinations.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by NBC News Health, Healthline.
