Pope Leo XIV had surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to remove a small nodule on his lung. The Vatican announced this procedure on Tuesday. The 71-year-old pontiff had thoracic surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. This diagnosis was confirmed through a tissue examination during the operation, aligning with preoperative test findings.
The surgery took about 90 minutes, though the pope was in the operating room for around three hours. Doctors reported the procedure went smoothly without any complications. Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by Health Director Andrea Cambieri as he arrived at the hospital.
“Doctors found a small lump in the lung,” Leo stated after an Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square. “It was identified at a very early stage and well situated.”
Pope Leo made the decision for surgery following medical advice, expressing gratitude for spiritual support and prayers. The Vatican confirmed the surgery involved the removal of the lung’s lower lobe using a video-assisted technique.
This news came unexpectedly for the American-born pope, who previously had no known health issues and maintained an active lifestyle, frequently playing tennis and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for a significant international trip from November 6–17, including visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. It is still uncertain if his surgery and recovery will affect these travel plans.
During his Sunday remarks, Pope Leo also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing the conflict’s extensive impact beyond its borders. He highlighted the suffering particularly in the poorest countries, which rely on exports of cereals and grains from Ukraine.
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