Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor

Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome to remove a malignant lung tumor, according to medical officials and Vatican statements. Doctors performed a three-hour procedure to excise the lower right lobe of his lung, later confirming the growth was an adenocarcinoma. No complications were reported during or after the operation.

The diagnosis followed a routine check-up that revealed an early-stage nodule. All papal audiences have been suspended until October 20 as the pontiff recovers on the hospital's tenth floor, where medical staff anticipate a post-operative stay of about one week. Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin acknowledged the unexpected nature of the announcement while expressing confidence in a complete recovery.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.