Pope Leo XIV is diagnosed with lung cancer after surgeons remove part of his right lung in successful Rome operation
Pope Leo XIV made the short journey from the Vatican by car before walking into Gemelli Hospital, where he will undergo surgery this afternoon to remove a lung nodule he told worshippers on Sunday is "well contained.Pope Leo XIV, whose Vatican audiences have been cancelled until 20 October, was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, with doctors reporting an excellent prognosis…
Surgeons at Rome's Gemelli Hospital removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo XIV's right lung on Tuesday in a 90-minute procedure, and tissue examination confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The 71-year-old pontiff spent roughly three hours in the operating room, awoke normally afterwards, and returned to his hospital room on the 10th floor. The Vatican said the operation was successful with no complications, and Leo is expected to remain in hospital for approximately a week. Further tests are now under way to establish whether the cancer has spread.
Leo himself announced the planned surgery during Sunday Angelus prayers at St Peter's Square, telling pilgrims the nodule had been caught 'at a very early stage and well situated.'
The Vatican said the entire lower lobe was removed to ensure the procedure was 'radical', using a video-assisted surgical technique.
Large crowds cheered outside Gemelli Hospital as Leo arrived; when a staff member said 'I'm sorry', the Pope responded with a smile and a shrug.
