Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery in Rome to remove a growth in his right lung. The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, after doctors completed the operation at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic.
During the procedure, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung. The church released a statement from Leo's medical team confirming that laboratory examination of the removed lung tissue verified a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. This outcome confirmed an earlier test that had previously identified the condition.
"Lung tissue examined after the surgery confirmed a previous test that revealed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said."
Recovery and Schedule Changes
The surgical operation lasted roughly 90 minutes and was declared successful by the attending medical team. After waking normally from the operation, the pontiff underwent a brief period of medical observation. He then returned to his personal room on the hospital's tenth floor.
"The Pope's surgery, which the doctors said was successful, lasted about 90 minutes, after which Leo awoke normally..."
In light of his hospitalisation, the Vatican stated that Pope Leo has essentially cleared his public schedule for several days, extending until at least 20 October.
Vatican officials have not yet announced whether the pontiff will require any further medical treatments.
Health Profile and Family History
At 71 years old, Pope Leo is considered relatively young for a ruling pontiff. He maintains an active physical routine, working out weekly. His regular activities include playing tennis matches with his personal secretary and riding horses at Castel Gandolfo, the papal retreat outside Rome.
The Pope previously wrote about his family's experience with the illness. In 1984, whilst residing in Rome, the future pope sent a letter to several friends regarding his mother's care.
In the letter, he wrote: “My mother continues to undergo chemotherapy treatments. … She's a tough lady and handles it all well, which makes it a little easier for me being so far from Chicago."
