Pope Leo XIV has reportedly been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to a medical bulletin attributed to the Vatican.
The report, published on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, stated that the diagnosis had been suspected following preoperative examinations and was confirmed during the surgical procedure.
The 71-year-old pontiff reportedly spent approximately three hours in the operating room, while the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes.
According to the statement, the operation was successful, with no complications recorded.
“To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique,” the Vatican was quoted as saying.
The statement added that an examination of tissue samples during the operation confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
Following the procedure, Pope Leo reportedly regained consciousness normally and was transferred to his room on the 10th floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was expected to continue receiving medical care.
Earlier in the day, the pontiff was said to have arrived at the hospital through its main entrance, where he waved to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to welcome him.
The surgery was reportedly carried out by a medical team led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli Hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon.
The report did not provide further details about the stage of the cancer, whether it had spread beyond the affected lung tissue or the pontiff’s proposed treatment plan following surgery.
Further medical updates would be needed to clarify his prognosis and the next steps in his care.
