Pope Leo XIV has part of right lung removed after cancer diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following medical examinations that identified a suspicious growth.

According to Associated Press, as reported by Tribune, doctors confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma during the procedure, which lasted approximately 90 minutes.

“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican stated.

The operation was conducted by a medical team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon.

“To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique,” the Vatican explained.

The Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room before regaining consciousness and returning to his hospital room.

He is expected to remain hospitalised for about a week while recovering.

Further medical examinations will determine whether additional treatment is necessary.