Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and underwent a successful 90‑minute surgery on October 13, 2026, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Tests performed during surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. YahooYahoo
The operation used a video-assisted technique to remove the lower right lung lobe. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes, with roughly three hours spent in the operating room. Doctors reported no complications, and the Pope awoke normally from anesthesia.
Pope Leo XIV returned to his hospital room shortly after observation and is expected to remain hospitalized for about one week. All scheduled audiences have been canceled through October 20, 2026.
Source: Vatican News Service.
This marks the first major publicly disclosed health issue of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy since his election in May 2025.