Surgery on Pope Leo's lung nodule went well, Vatican says
Doctors said the growth was found during routine checks and that the pope is expected to stay in hospital for about a week.
- On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV underwent successful thoracic surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove a lung nodule. The Vatican confirmed removal of the right lung's lower lobe, diagnosing lung adenocarcinoma.
- Doctors discovered the small, localized nodule during routine health checks, prompting the scheduled procedure. On Sunday, Leo announced the diagnosis during Angelus prayers, marking rare Vatican transparency about papal health.
- Chief thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora led the medical team using robotic technology at Gemelli Hospital. The minimally invasive da Vinci technique involved four small chest incisions, reducing trauma and supporting swift recovery.
- The Vatican cancelled all public audiences through October 20 to accommodate Leo's expected weeklong hospital recovery. Officials emphasized that Vatican administration continues as usual while the pontiff recuperates from surgery.
- Recovery is critical for Leo's planned 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6–17. The ambitious itinerary covers over 31,000 kilometers, marking the longest international trip of his papacy.
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Photos show Pope Leo XIV at hospital and supporters praying as he undergoes cancer surgery
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV waved to supporters before undergoing surgery Tuesday to remove a cancerous mass from his lung. Faithful have gathered at the Rome hospital and prayed for him.
Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and that the lower lobe of his right lung was removed
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican said Tuesday, after he underwent surgery to remove a nodule from his lung. The 90-minute procedure was successful and removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican said the pope was recovering and that there were no planned changes to his hospitalization time,…
Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where a nodule located in his lung was removed, the Holy See Press Office announced. “The operation was completed successfully, within the expected time and according to plan, and the Holy Father has returned to his room. Further information will be published later,” the Vatican statement said. The Pope arrived at the hospital today through the main entrance and shook…
Surgery confirms pope has lung cancer and he had the lower lobe of his right lung removed - WXXV News 25
Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, where he’s expected to be operated to remove a lung nodule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)By NICOLE WINFIELD and COLLEEN BARRY ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery Tuesday that confirmed that he has lung cancer, and doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung,...
Pope Leo had lobe of lung removed as doctors found cancer
Pope Leo had a lower lobe of his right lung removed during surgery Tuesday and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin.
Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer during surgery
Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery to remove a lung tumor, with tests during the operation confirming a cancer diagnosis, according to the Vatican. Doctors reported no complications. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation Tuesday afternoon at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using […]
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