Pope Leo Has Cancerous Tumour Removed

Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday to remove a cancerous pulmonary adenocarcinoma from his right lung.

The Vatican confirmed that surgeons removed the lower lobe of the right lung to ensure the procedure was radical, noting that the 71-year-old pontiff woke up normally and requested dinner shortly afterwards.

Further medical tests are currently underway to determine if the cancer has spread and whether subsequent therapies will be necessary.

Medical experts note that early detection of lung adenocarcinoma offers a strong prognosis, with localised five-year survival rates ranging between 80 and 98 per cent depending on staging results.

The Chicago-born pope, who discovered the nodule during routine health checks without prior symptoms, faces a mandatory one-week recovery period.

Consequently, the Vatican has cancelled his general audiences through October 20 and cast uncertainty over his planned November apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

Global leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Australian Prime Minister Albanese, offered public prayers and well-wishes for the pontiff’s recovery.

Jeanette and I are united in prayer for @PONTIFEX’s health following his recent diagnosis.

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May the Lord give him strength and the Holy Spirit guide the medical professionals taking care of the Holy Father.

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 13, 2026

Meanwhile, the Diocese of Rome organised hospital prayer vigils as the Vatican maintains a transparent approach to papal health established during the tenure of Leo’s predecessor.