---
title: "Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Surgery for Lung Cancer"
url: https://noti.group/pope-leo-xiv-undergoes-surgery-for-lung-cancer/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "World News"
published: 2026-10-13T20:46:06.000Z
updated: 2026-10-14T07:30:54.337Z
id: 4f44f79a-4b68-4fd5-9072-d826e8a9046a
source: "BBC News World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck1wvd9dvv22o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/pope-leo-xiv-undergoes-surgery-for-lung-cancer/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Surgery for Lung Cancer

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday. The 71-year-old pontiff had a 90-minute operation to remove a lower lobe of his right lung.

The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope was subsequently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer. This diagnosis was made after the successful surgery, which aimed to ensure the removal of all affected tissue. The medical team took a radical approach by removing the whole lower lobe of the right lung.

The operation was performed on Tuesday and the Pope's recovery is reportedly going well, with no complications mentioned so far. After the procedure, he returned to his room on the 10th floor, where he is being observed for any signs of post-operative issues.

Routine checks at the hospital led to the discovery of a lump in the Pope's lung, prompting further investigation and ultimately leading to the diagnosis of cancer. The Vatican has not provided information on the extent to which the cancer may have spread beyond the affected lobe.

Large crowds gathered outside the hospital on Tuesday, eagerly awaiting news of the Pope's operation and subsequent recovery. As he was driven into the hospital, they cheered and waved, with some waiting for several hours to catch a glimpse of him.

The nodule found on Pope's lung was described as contained and diagnosed at an early stage, prompting doctors to advise its removal.

Pope's schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow for his recovery from surgery, performed by the thoracic surgery team at Gemelli hospital.

Further examination of the removed nodule confirmed it was pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer that had been suspected prior to the operation.

The Vatican stressed that the Pope is generally fit and had no symptoms of illness or infection before undergoing surgery.

Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo reported having an audience with the Pope on Monday, saying he was physically unwell but did not express any concerns.

The news of the Pope's health has come as a shock to many, but Vatican officials remain confident in his recovery.

Outside Gemelli Hospital, where the pontiff is receiving treatment, a small group of Catholics have gathered to show their support and pray for the Pope's speedy recovery.

Among them was Carla, who had traveled from afar specifically to be close to the hospital. She expressed her calm demeanor by saying that even though illness is never pleasant, she remains optimistic about the Pope's chances.

---
Source: [BBC News World](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck1wvd9dvv22o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/pope-leo-xiv-undergoes-surgery-for-lung-cancer/