Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Post-Surgery

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Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove a part of his right lung, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday. The 71-year-old pontiff is recovering at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital.

During the procedure, surgeons removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo’s right lung, diagnosing a ‘lung adenocarcinoma’. Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora shared this in a statement released by the Holy See Press Office. The 90-minute operation was successful without complications.

After the surgery, Pope Leo is awake and has returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor. The pope had previously shared that doctors discovered a localized nodule in his lung during recent examinations. The growth was detected early, and surgery was recommended to remove it. Further assessments will determine if additional treatment is necessary.

When Will the Pope Resume His Duties?

The Vatican has canceled the Pope’s public engagements through October 20 to allow for recovery. He is likely to stay in the hospital for about a week, as per news reports. His planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru is still expected to proceed.

What Is Adenocarcinoma?

Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that arises in glandular cells, which produce substances like mucus. It is the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer, often found in the outer areas of the lungs. This type of cancer can appear in smokers and non-smokers alike and can be diagnosed in individuals without a tobacco history.

Common symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss, though early stages may be symptom-free. Treatment varies based on the cancer’s stage, specifics, and the patient’s health. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy.

Early detection and surgical removal of lung adenocarcinoma can lead to a more promising outlook. Post-operative needs and prognosis rely on pathology results and whether the cancer has spread.