Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican says.
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
According to a report by ABC News monitored by GMTNewsng, the 71-year-old pontiff underwent a minimally invasive, camera-guided surgical procedure at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, Italy.
The diagnosis was confirmed during the operation, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office.
“The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected by the preoperative tests,” the statement said.
The statement, attributed to Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, disclosed that the Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, with the surgery itself lasting about 90 minutes.
“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the statement added.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Vatican had announced that the procedure was successfully completed as scheduled and that the Pope had returned to his hospital room.
“As announced, Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital,” the Vatican press office said in an earlier statement, adding that the operation would be performed by a thoracic surgery team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora.
The Vatican said further information about the pontiff’s condition would be provided later on Tuesday.
Pope Leo XIV Had Earlier Announced Lung Nodule
Pope Leo disclosed on Sunday that doctors had discovered a nodule on his lung and that he would undergo surgery within a few days.
According to ABC News, the pontiff had described the nodule as having been detected at a “very initial phase” and as “well localized”.
“The doctors think it is opportune to intervene,” the Pope said.
A lung nodule is a small mass of tissue in the lung that may result from several causes, including previous infections, inflammation, scar tissue or cancer. While most lung nodules are benign, some require further investigation and treatment.
The Pope’s planned hospital stay in Rome was initially expected to last approximately one week, according to the Vatican.
Vatican Officials Call for Prayers
The Pope’s hospitalisation has prompted prayers and expressions of support from senior Catholic Church officials.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, reportedly said he was struck by the pontiff’s serenity when he heard the announcement about the planned surgery.
“We are confident,” Parolin said, according to Vatican media, adding that church leaders and the faithful were accompanying the Pope with their prayers and affection.
At the hospital on Tuesday evening, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, led the recitation of the Rosary in the hospital chapel.
“Together, let us raise our prayer that the Lord may sustain our bishop, Pope Leo, and bring comfort to all those who are hospitalized here,” Reina said.
“May Mary, Health of the Sick and Mother of the Church, accompany our prayer and teach us to remain steadfast in love,” he added.
Video released by Vatican News showed the pontiff arriving at the hospital, where he shook hands and greeted members of staff.
About Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, United States, is the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He was elected the Church’s 267th pontiff in May 2025.
The Agostino Gemelli University Hospital is Rome’s largest hospital and a major medical facility used by successive popes. Pope Francis, Leo XIV’s immediate predecessor, also received medical treatment there before his death in 2025 at the age of 88.
Further updates on Pope Leo XIV’s recovery and medical condition are expected from the Vatican.
GMTNewsng will continue to monitor developments.
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