Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
Pope Leo XIV underwent a successful three-hour operation at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove an early-stage malignant lung tumor, with audiences suspended until October 20.
Pope Leo XIV underwent a three-hour surgical procedure at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove an early-stage malignant lung tumor. Doctors confirmed the lesion was an adenocarcinoma, requiring the removal of the lower right lobe of his lung. Medical staff reported that the operation was successful and occurred without complications.
The lesion was initially detected during a routine check-up, leading the pontiff to agree to surgery following medical advice. All papal audiences have been suspended until October 20 as he begins a planned one-week post-operative recovery on the hospital's tenth floor. Vatican officials expressed confidence in his recovery, with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin noting the pontiff's calm demeanor when announcing the procedure.
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, 03:00 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