Pope Leo XIV has successfully undergone surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, according to a medical bulletin from the Vatican. The 71-year-old pontiff had the 90-minute procedure on Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was reported to have awakened normally and returned to his room shortly after the operation.
During routine checks, a lump was detected in the Pope’s lung, prompting further investigation. The Vatican confirmed that the entire lower lobe was removed to ensure a thorough approach to the treatment. Following the surgery, the Pope addressed the public from the balcony of St. Peter’s Square, stating that the nodule was found at an early stage and was contained, although doctors recommended its removal.
Large crowds gathered outside the hospital to show their support, cheering and offering well wishes as the Pope arrived. He was seen smiling and waving to the crowd, despite the circumstances. A Vatican source indicated that additional tests are being conducted to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the lung.
The Pope’s schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow for recovery. While nodules in the lung are common and not always cancerous, the medical team confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma following pre-operative tests. The Vatican emphasized that the Pope, generally considered to be in good health, exhibited no symptoms of infection or illness prior to the surgery.
For more details, see the full report from BBC News.
As the situation develops, the Vatican will continue to provide updates on the Pope’s health and recovery process.
