Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Lung Surgery for Cancerous Growth

Pope Leo XIV arrived at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on October 13, 2026, for surgery to remove a cancerous growth in his lung, as announced by the Vatican. The surgery at Gemelli Hospital involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. This operation was confirmed by the Pope’s doctors in a statement released by the church.

Post-surgery examination of the lung tissue validated a previous test diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as reported by the Vatican. Lung adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type of lung cancer in the United States, accounting for around 40% of all cases, according to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.

The doctors involved in the procedure stated that the surgery was successful, lasting approximately 90 minutes. Pope Leo XIV awoke normally after the operation and, following a short observation period, was transported back to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.

At 71 years old, Pope Leo XIV is considered relatively young for a pope, maintaining an active lifestyle. He engages in weekly workouts, including tennis matches with his personal secretary, and enjoys horseback riding at the papal retreat, Castel Gandolfo. Although the Pope is not known to smoke, his family has a history of cancer. The Vatican noted that Pope Leo’s older brother Louis, residing in Florida, is hospitalized with cancer. Additionally, Leo’s mother, Mildred, passed away from cancer in 1990 at the age of 77.

Pope Leo XIV had expressed concern about his mother’s health in a 1984 letter to friends, noting, “My mother continues to undergo chemotherapy treatments. She’s a tough lady and handles it all well, which makes it a little easier for me being so far from Chicago.”

In light of the surgery, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV has cleared his public schedule until at least October 20. Further treatment plans have not been disclosed yet by the Vatican.