Vatican City, October 14 (TNA) Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery to remove a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, the Vatican said on Tuesday. The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique.
The 71-year-old pontiff spent approximately three hours in the operating room at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, while the surgery itself lasted around 90 minutes, according to a medical bulletin issued by the Holy See Press Office.
Doctors said the operation was completed successfully, without complications. The Pope regained consciousness normally after the procedure and was transferred back to his room following a short recovery period. An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, which had been suspected during pre-operative examinations. The lower lobe of the right lung was removed to ensure what doctors described as a radical or curative resection.
Pope Leo had earlier informed the public that doctors had detected a localised lung nodule at an early stage. The Vatican had said the medical team recommended surgery after determining that intervention was the most appropriate course of action.
The Vatican has not yet provided a detailed treatment plan or indicated whether the Pope will require additional therapy. His post-operative recovery is expected to continue at the Rome hospital, with an estimated recovery period of about one week.
Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born leader of the Catholic Church, has been unusually open about his medical condition. His surgery and diagnosis have drawn international attention as the Vatican continues to issue updates on his recovery.