Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery in Rome
Doctors at Rome's Gemelli hospital removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo XIV's right lung on October 13, in an operation the Vatican described as successful and free of complications. The surgery, which lasted roughly ninety minutes within a three hour stay in the operating room, confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma that doctors had suspected before the procedure. Whether the cancer has spread is not yet known, and the Vatican said doctors are not currently discussing chemotherapy or other treatment while they wait on further test results.
A Wednesday update from his doctors, Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora, said the pope had begun walking in his room and respiratory physiotherapy and had resumed a regular diet, with blood tests and a chest X-ray both normal. Leo sent a message to clergy and the faithful thanking them and asking for prayers. The diagnosis came as the Vatican was closing a week long summit of bishops marking the tenth anniversary of the Church's teaching document on family life. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presided at the closing Mass in Leo's place, reading a homily the pope had prepared beforehand.
