Pope Leo XIV recovering after lung cancer surgery

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove part of his right lung after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.

Vatican officials stated that the 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday. The Guardian reported the Vatican's description of the procedure as successful, on schedule, and as planned. Following the operation, the Pope returned to his room, and all official appointments have been canceled until 20 October.

NBC News reported that the diagnosis is adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type of lung cancer found in non-smokers. Leo had previously informed the public of a small, localized nodule during his Sunday prayer and was described as being in good spirits before departing for the hospital. France 24 noted that the news caused shock, as the Pope is viewed as energetic and relatively young for his position.

Global leaders and the Catholic community have offered prayers for the pontiff’s recovery. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a practicing Catholic, stated that he and his wife were united in prayer for the Pope. Despite the surgery, the New York Times reported that Leo still intends to proceed with a planned trip to South America next month.

The 71-year-old Pope is the first leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Roman Catholic Church to be born in the United States. While the Vatican confirms he is recovering, CBS News reported that medical experts have begun discussing the potential long-term prognosis for the pontiff following the removal of lung tissue.

Background

Pope Leo XIV was elected to the papacy in May 2025. He had been serving in the role for approximately a year and a half when the diagnosis was announced on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.