ROME, Italy (Diya TV) — Surgeons removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo XIV’s right lung Tuesday after tests during the operation confirmed lung cancer, the Vatican said.
Doctors diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma, confirming suspicions raised by examinations before the procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The operation lasted approximately ninety minutes, and the pope spent about three hours in the operating room. His medical team reported no complications.
Leo regained consciousness normally and returned to his hospital room after observation. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the pope requested dinner and spent the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff.
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli’s director of thoracic surgery, led the team. Surgeons used a video-assisted technique to remove the entire lower lobe, aiming to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
Doctors will conduct further examinations of the removed tissue in the coming days. The Vatican has not announced the cancer’s stage or whether Leo will need additional treatment.
Officials continue to expect a hospital stay of approximately one week. The Vatican canceled his audiences and public events through Oct. 20.
Leo disclosed the planned surgery during his Sunday Angelus address, saying doctors had discovered a small, localized lung nodule during a recent examination.
He arrived at Gemelli early Tuesday afternoon, smiling and waving to people gathered outside before greeting hospital officials.
The pope plans to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17. Cardinal Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, who met Leo on Monday, said the pope wanted to receive treatment promptly to avoid canceling the trip.
The Vatican’s medical bulletin did not announce a change to that itinerary. Officials expect to issue another health update Wednesday morning.
