Officials in Rome Confirm Pope Leo XIV Underwent a Three-Hour Procedure to Remove Adenocarcinoma

The Vatican has reportedly announced that Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing emergency surgery in Rome to remove part of his right lung.

According to an official medical bulletin released by the Holy See on Tuesday, post-surgical pathology results confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Surgeons successfully carried out a lobectomy, removing the lower lobe of the 71-year-old pontiff’s right lung during the procedure.

The Vatican medical team stated that the suspected lung condition had been identified during routine preoperative evaluations and was formally confirmed after the surgical team examined the affected area in the operating room.

“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Holy See reportedly stated in a briefing issued to journalists. Officials said the Bishop of Rome spent around three hours in the surgical department, while the operation itself took approximately 90 minutes.

The medical procedure has prompted an immediate suspension of the pontiff’s demanding schedule.

Vatican representatives reportedly confirmed that all papal audiences, senior diplomatic discussions, and public religious appearances have been called off until at least October 20, giving the Pope time to recover under careful medical supervision.

The reported health emergency would represent the first major medical crisis of Leo XIV’s papacy. Elected in May 2025 after the death of Pope Francis, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was born in Chicago, made church history as the first American to become pope and occupy the Chair of Saint Peter. His early leadership has concentrated on institutional reforms within the Vatican, diplomatic efforts, and missionary outreach shaped by decades of service in Peru.

Health matters involving the Bishop of Rome remain particularly sensitive throughout the Holy See, considering the demanding physical responsibilities of leading a worldwide Catholic community of 1.4 billion people and the recent memory of Pope Francis’ repeated hospital stays for ongoing respiratory problems.

Major lung surgery involving a lobectomy can place considerable physical demands on anyone in their seventies, especially a leader with a full international agenda and frequent travel obligations.

Vatican medical personnel have not yet reportedly clarified whether the pontiff will require additional cancer treatment, including targeted therapies, radiation, or chemotherapy, after being discharged from the hospital.

Despite the reported diagnosis, church officials stressed that the operation was intended to stop malignant cells from spreading while the disease was still at an early stage.

For the time being, officials have stated that the Pope is awake, resting comfortably, and showing stable vital signs. Further detailed medical updates are expected in the days ahead as his recovery following surgery continues.