Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove the lower part of his right lung, the Vatican has confirmed. The operation was successful, with no complications reported.
In a statement released on 13 October, the Holy See Press Office said tissue examined during the operation confirmed that the Pope had lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. The diagnosis had been suspected following medical tests carried out before surgery.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Doctors used a video-assisted surgical technique, which allows operations to be performed through small incisions with the help of a camera.
According to the Vatican, the Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating theatre, with the operation itself lasting around 90 minutes. He regained consciousness normally after the procedure and returned to his room on the hospital's tenth floor following a short period of observation.
The Pope's health concerns first became public on 11 October, when he told worshippers gathered in St Peter's Square that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. He said the abnormality had been detected at an early stage and that his medical team had recommended surgery to remove it.
Following the diagnosis, religious and political leaders from around the world have expressed their support and offered prayers for his recovery.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and his wife were praying for the Pope's health. He also asked for God's strength for the pontiff and guidance for the medical professionals caring for him.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also wished the Pope a speedy recovery, expressing his thoughts and prayers for the pontiff and the worldwide Catholic community.
Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the Church of England, said her daily prayers remained with Pope Leo and assured him and Catholic believers of the prayers of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
She prayed that the Holy Spirit would strengthen and comfort him during his recovery.
The Vatican previously announced that the Pope would suspend public audiences until 20 October to allow time for treatment and recovery. Further medical assessments are expected to help doctors determine the next steps in his care.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, became the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis in April that year. Born in Chicago, he is the first US-born pope.
Catholics and other Christians around the world continue to pray for the Pope as he recovers from surgery and faces treatment for his illness.
Source: The Christian Post. Rewritten for original presentation.
