Right Lung Lobe Removed, Biopsy: Adenocarcinoma

Pope Leo XIV underwent thoracic surgery at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, 2026. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung using a video-assisted technique — a minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedure — with curative intent. "In order to make the procedure curative, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique," the Vatican's medical team said in an official statement. The operation lasted about 90 minutes and was completed without complications.

Histological examination conducted during the operation confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. The procedure was led by Dr. Luigi Carbone, head of the Vatican's health service, together with Prof. Stefano Margaritora, thoracic surgeon at Gemelli Hospital.

The Vatican has not disclosed the tumor's size or lymph node involvement — the two factors that determine staging and prognosis. Georgetown University lung cancer specialist Dr. Stephen Liu told Reuters: "If this is a small lung cancer with no lymph nodes involved, surgery itself is likely to be curative." The full pathology report is expected within days.

Pope Announced His Own Nodule at the Angelus

The lung nodule was discovered during a routine health check. Pope Leo XIV, 71, chose to announce his condition himself while leading the Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 11, 2026 — two days before the surgery. He described the nodule as "well circumscribed" and detected at an early stage.

Pope Leo XIV is the first US-born pope, elected in May 2025, leading around 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. News of his health has drawn global attention, covered by dozens of international outlets.

US President Donald Trump sent his wishes for the Pope's recovery, telling reporters: "I want to see Pope Leo get well... get better fast." The Pope is not known to be a smoker; adenocarcinoma is the most common lung cancer type among non-smokers.

Recovery Going Well, Audiences Canceled Through October 20

The Pope's recovery is progressing positively. Vatican bulletins described the first post-surgery night as "calm," with normal blood tests and chest X-rays, and the Pope has begun respiratory physiotherapy and is walking in his room on the hospital's 10th floor. The Thursday (15/10) morning bulletin reported the Pope had a "good night" and had breakfast.

Hospitalization is expected to last about a week, and all public audiences are canceled through October 20, 2026. Nevertheless, an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru scheduled for November 6–17, 2026 remains on the calendar for now.