Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer

The Vatican announces that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following an operation on Tuesday. 

It’s a shock felt right around the world. The Pope has cancer—news which was completely unexpected for the faithful and those inside the halls of Vatican City.

Pope Leo announced on Sunday that he would undergo an operation to remove a “well-localised” nodule that was found in one of his lungs. There was some initial worry; however, many were reassured by the Holy Father’s serene nature and willingness to continue with his busy schedule.

On Tuesday, the Pope arrived at Gemelli University Hospital in the afternoon for the procedure.

The Holy See Press Office later confirmed the procedure was “completed successfully, within the expected timeframe and as planned,” and that the Pope returned to his room on the 10th floor of Gemelli — the Holy Father would usually stay in the Papal Suite, but due to renovations he is being treated in a different room on the secure floor.

In a sobering bulletin late Tuesday evening, the Vatican confirmed that the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung was removed and he was subsequently diagnosed with “lung adenocarcinoma” — one of the most common forms of lung cancer, originating in mucus-producing cells and usually developing in the outer part of the lung.

The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled. To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of his right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the preoperative examinations.

The Holy Father was in the operating room for approximately three hours; the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes. The operation was successful, and there were no complications. After the procedure, the Pope awoke normally and returned to his room on the 10th floor after a brief observation period.

The surgical team was led by Prof. Stefano Margaritora, assisted by Prof. Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo, and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Caravella.

The anaesthesiology team consisted of Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr. Giovanni Punzo, and Dr. Giuseppe Bello. —Holy See Press Office Bulletin 

What this means for the Vatican and wider Catholic Church remains to be seen. The Royal News Organisation will keep you up to date as developments unfold.