# Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

> Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgery after cancer diagnosis.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer · Straight Arrow
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgery after cancer diagnosis. Pope Leo XIV had successful surgery to remove part of his right lung after doctors…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, lung cancer, vatican, gemelli hospital, lung adenocarcinoma, surgery, news, politics, world, Pope, Leo, XIV
- Source: Straight Arrow — https://san.com/cc/pope-leo-xiv-diagnosed-with-cancer-undergoes-successful-lung-surgery
- Published: 2026-10-13T21:15:12+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, lung cancer, vatican, gemelli hospital, lung adenocarcinoma, surgery, news, politics, world
## Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with cancer
Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery Tuesday to remove part of his right lung after doctors confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer.
## Surgery details
The pope spent about three hours in the operating room with the procedure lasting about 90 minutes and completed without complications.
## Cancer type confirmed
An examination of tissue during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, consistent with preoperative testing.
## Pope's announcement
The pope announced Sunday during his weekly Angelus that he would undergo surgery to remove a small lung nodule.
## Public prayer request
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offered prayers before the procedure and asked people to remember Leo and his care team.
## Vatican's statement
The Vatican has no provision for a temporary successor while a pope is under general anesthesia; papal authority remains with the pontiff.
## Lung cancer explanation
The Lung Cancer Foundation of America says adenocarcinoma is a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer and the most common form in the United States.
## Early detection
Doctors detected the localized nodule at a very early stage and asked the public for prayers.
## Recovery timeline
The Vatican expected Leo to remain in the hospital for about a week while recovering.
## Vatican cancellation
The Vatican canceled all papal audiences through Oct. 20 to facilitate recovery.
## Prognosis
Oncologists noted the prognosis is excellent due to early detection of the cancer.
## Doctors involved
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Dr. Stefano Margaritora reported no complications during the operation.
## Surgical technique
Surgeons used a video-assisted technique to remove the lobe and ensure a complete procedure.
## Pope's age
The 71-year-old Pope will recover at Gemelli Hospital in Rome as his papal apartment undergoes renovations.
## Trip status
Pope Leo XIV's planned November trip to South America remains scheduled.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV had successful surgery to remove part of his right lung after doctors confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.