Pope Leo Diagnosed with Lung Cancer After Successful Surgery

The Vatican announced on Tuesday that Pope Leo, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 71-year-old Pope underwent a medical procedure to remove the lower part of his right lung after doctors discovered a growth. According to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican, the operation was successful and followed the original plan. The surgery lasted about 90 minutes, and the Pope spent a total of three hours in the operating theatre.

Before the surgery, Pope Leo had been open about his health with the public. During his Sunday prayer in St Peter’s Square, he told the crowds that doctors had found a small nodule—a small, solid lump of tissue—on his lung during a routine checkup. He explained that the growth was detected early and was well-contained. Following the advice of his medical team, the Pope decided to have the operation to remove it. The Vatican noted that the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma was suspected before the surgery and confirmed while the doctors were operating.

Pope Leo, who was born in Chicago, became the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in May of last year. He is currently recovering in the Gemelli hospital in Rome. This hospital is well-known for providing care to popes, and it even features a high-security suite designed for such visits. The Guardian reported that the Pope is staying in a private-patient wing while his usual suite undergoes renovations. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, visited the Pope before the surgery and described him as being very calm. Parolin told Rai News that the news was a surprise to everyone, but he expressed hope because the cancer was found quickly.

Following the surgery, all of the Pope’s official appointments have been cancelled until October 20. The weekly papal audience, which is a regular meeting where the Pope speaks to the public, will be led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines. Tagle was recently elected as the dean of the college of cardinals, which is the group of senior church leaders responsible for managing important church business.

This health news comes after a difficult period for the Vatican. Pope Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, suffered from serious health issues before he passed away in April 2025. Francis had spent several weeks in the hospital for breathing problems, including bronchitis and pneumonia. Because of this recent history, the health of the current Pope is a matter of great interest to many people around the world.

Despite the diagnosis, those close to the Pope remain optimistic. Pope Leo is generally known for being in good health and enjoys playing sports, such as tennis. He often spends time at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo, a quiet area near Rome. Before this health challenge, the Pope had a busy schedule. He visited France in September and was planning a 12-day trip to South America in November to visit 10 different cities. It is not yet clear how this diagnosis will affect his future travel plans.

For now, the focus remains on his recovery. The Vatican has been unusually transparent about the Pope’s condition, providing regular updates to the public. As the Pope rests, the church continues its work under the guidance of its senior officials. The fact that the cancer was caught early is seen as a positive sign by his medical team, who believe that such cases can often be resolved successfully when treated without delay. Supporters of the Pope have gathered at the hospital to show their care and concern during his time of recovery.