Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday after doctors detected a lung nodule during what the Vatican described as routine medical checks.
A medical bulletin from the Vatican confirmed that the Pope had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
“After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room on the 10th floor,” the Vatican said.
The surgery followed the Pope’s announcement on Sunday that doctors had discovered a growth on his lung and advised him to have it removed.
He said the nodule was contained and had been detected at a very early stage.
The Vatican had previously stated that the pontiff showed no symptoms of infection or illness.
Crowds gathered outside Gemelli Hospital ahead of the operation to offer prayers and wish the Pope a successful recovery. Some waited for several hours as he arrived, waving and smiling at well-wishers from his vehicle.
Pope Leo’s schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow him time to recover.
Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo said he met the Pope on Monday and that the pontiff had reported feeling physically well.
According to the cardinal, the Pope wanted to undergo the procedure promptly because he was scheduled to travel to Latin America in early November.
The planned trip includes Peru, where Leo spent many years as a missionary and later served as a bishop.
News of the diagnosis has raised concerns among Catholics worldwide.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, told journalists on Tuesday that the news had come as a shock.
He described the announcement as a “bolt from the blue” but said cardinals had been encouraged by the Pope’s calm demeanour and remained hopeful about his recovery.
Outside the hospital, Catholics gathered to pray for the pontiff.
One woman, Carla, told the BBC that the Pope’s apparent calm had helped reassure those waiting for news.
Another woman, Elsa, said she had been shocked by the announcement, adding that she had viewed the Pope as a younger and healthier pontiff following his election.
The Vatican has not provided further details about the cancer’s stage or whether additional treatment will be required.
