Pope Leo XIV has successful lung surgery as Vatican confirms cancer diagnosis
Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery to remove part of his right lung, with tests carried out during the operation confirming lung cancer.
The Vatican said an examination of tissue taken while the Pope was in theatre confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a cancer that starts in the lung's gland cells, as doctors had suspected from earlier scans. Vatican News
The operation took place at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome. It was led by Dr Stefano Margaritora, the hospital's chief thoracic surgeon. NBC News
The 71-year-old pontiff arrived at Gemelli on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 13, for the planned procedure. Video showed his arrival at the hospital ahead of the surgery. Associated Press
Pope Leo announced the surgery himself two days earlier. He told the faithful gathered for the Sunday Angelus on Oct. 11 that doctors had found a nodule, a small lump, on his lung and had advised him to have it removed.
The nodule was found during recent medical tests. The Vatican said it was detected at a very early stage and was well localised. Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said at the time that the operation was scheduled for the first days of the week.
This is the first major health event of Pope Leo's 17-month pontificate. The Chicago-born pope is not known to have ever been a smoker.
Doctors estimate a post-operative recovery of about one week. The Vatican said the Pope was expected to remain in hospital for that week and has cancelled all his audiences through Oct. 20.
A three-country trip on Nov. 6-17 to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru remains on the papal schedule. No change to that visit has been announced.
