Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor

Pope Leo XIV has undergone a successful surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome to remove a malignant lung tumor, with medical staff reporting no complications.
Pope Leo XIV has undergone a successful three-hour surgical procedure at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove a malignant tumor from his lung. Medical staff confirmed that the lesion was an early-stage adenocarcinoma, necessitating the removal of the lower right lobe of his lung. The surgical team reported no complications during or after the operation.
The condition was initially detected during a routine medical examination. Following medical advice, the pontiff agreed to the surgery, leading to the suspension of all papal audiences until October 20. He is expected to remain hospitalized on the tenth floor of the medical center for approximately one week during his recovery.
Vatican officials expressed optimism regarding the pontiff's health, with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin noting confidence in his recovery despite the unexpected timing.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.
Sources
- Il Messaggero — Papa Leone e il nodulo al polmone, l'intervento al Gemelli martedì: in cosa consiste e per quanto resterà in ospedale
- Il Sole 24 Ore — Papa, in mattinata l’arrivo al Policlinico Gemelli
- ANSA — Oggi il ricovero del Papa al Gemelli per rimuovere un nodulo al polmone
- Corriere della Sera — Papa Leone, ricoverato al Gemelli | L'arrivo poco dopo le 13. Il Vaticano: «Nel pomeriggio sarà operato per il nodulo al polmone»
- La Repubblica — Il Papa tre ore in sala operatoria: “Tumore maligno al polmone rimosso il lobo inferiore destro”
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCPope Leo XIV shows steady recovery after lung surgery as discharge nears
- Oct 16, 2026, 03:30 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove malignant lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 09:30 PM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery for lung tumor in Rome
- Oct 14, 2026, 04:00 PM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove malignant lung tumor
- Oct 13, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCPope Leo to undergo lung surgery in Rome following nodule detection
- Oct 13, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCPope Leo to enter hospital ahead of lung surgery
- Oct 13, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCPope Leo to undergo lung surgery after nodule detected