Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful lung surgery in Rome, with the Vatican confirming that the procedure was completed without complications as the 71-year-old pontiff began his recovery.
The operation took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, where the Pope was admitted for a scheduled procedure to remove an abnormal growth from his right lung.
According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, the surgical team removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted technique. The operation itself lasted approximately 90 minutes, although the Pope spent about three hours in the operating theatre.
“The operation was successful and there were no complications,” the medical team said in the statement published by the Vatican.
The Pope reportedly woke up normally after the procedure and was transferred back to his hospital room on the facility’s tenth floor following a brief period of observation.
The surgery followed the discovery of a small, localised nodule in his lung during medical examinations. The Pope had disclosed the planned intervention after his Sunday Angelus address on October 11, explaining that doctors considered surgery the most appropriate course of action.
However, the Vatican’s subsequent medical statement provided a more specific diagnosis. An examination conducted during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in glandular cells.
Further test results will be important in determining the extent of the disease, including whether there is evidence of cancer in the lymph nodes. The Vatican’s initial surgical update did not establish the full stage of the cancer or outline a definitive long-term treatment plan.
The development has drawn attention to the Pope’s health and the demands of his responsibilities as leader of the Catholic Church, which has more than a billion members worldwide.
Before his admission to hospital, Pope Leo continued with his scheduled duties, including several appointments on Monday. His decision to proceed with surgery followed medical advice after doctors identified the lung abnormality.
Vatican officials had indicated that the Pope would need time to recover following the operation. His public audiences and engagements were cancelled through October 20 to allow him to rest and recuperate.
The medical development also raises questions about his upcoming international commitments. The Pope has been expected to travel to South America in November, with plans including visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Whether he will be able to maintain the itinerary will depend on his recovery and further medical assessments.
Pope Leo, elected in May 2025, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Before becoming pontiff, he spent many years serving as a missionary and church leader in Peru, a country that has remained significant in his personal and religious journey.
The Vatican has not yet provided a comprehensive prognosis. While the successful completion of the operation and the absence of immediate complications are encouraging developments, the diagnosis means further medical evaluation will be essential before the longer-term outlook becomes clear.
For now, attention remains on the Pope’s recovery at Gemelli Hospital as the Vatican continues to provide updates on his condition.
The Holy See’s confirmation that the operation was successful offers an initial positive development, although questions about the extent of the cancer and the treatment that may follow remain unanswered.
