Pope Leo XIV removes detected growth from lung
On Tuesday (13 Oct), Pope Leo underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove a nodule on his lung.
Two days earlier, the Vatican announced that the growth was detected on the pontiff’s lung during a health check.
“It was detected at a very early stage and is well contained,” the pope said. Heeding medical advice, he decided to remove it via surgery.
He was seen greeting well-wishers upon arriving at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, Italy, on 13 Oct, shortly after 1pm.
Source: Vatican Media
In an article by the National Catholic Reporter, the doctors discovered a malignant tumour in the pope’s right lung during the operation.
They removed its lower lobe using a video-assisted technique to extract the entire growth.
He was subsequently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of cancer.
Details regarding the extent to which the cancer had spread were not disclosed.
In a press release from the Holy See Press Office, Dr Luigi Carbone and Prof Stefano Margaritora shared that the surgery was a success.
The Holy Father was in the operating room for about three hours; the surgery itself lasted approximately 90 minutes. The procedure was successful, and there were no complications.
Following the surgery, the pope is expected to recuperate in the hospital for a week, according to a spokesperson.
Cancer diagnosis sends shock waves
Pope Leo made history in 2025 as the world’s first American-born pope.
He performed missionary and pastoral work to communities in Peru for over a decade, before being based in Rome.
He later returned to Peru as Bishop of Chiclayo and became a naturalised Peruvian citizen.
His papacy has been defined by his social advocacy for climate awareness, immigrant rights, and opposition to armed conflict.
Pope Leo is considered young for a Church leader at age 71.
The pontiff has no previous history of smoking or health issues. He also maintains an active lifestyle through hobbies such as tennis and swimming.
As a result, the diagnosis came as a shock to cardinals and followers around the world.
On Tuesday (12 Oct), Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed his concerns for Pope Leo’s health ahead of the surgery.
However, he praised the “serenity” of the pope’s approach and pointed out that the global response of support and affection is a testament to the pope’s enduring legacy.
Let’s hope that, as [Pope Leo] said, this is just the beginning.
Source: Vatican News
Post-recovery plans remain uncertain
Pope Leo will not make any public appearances until 20 Oct to allow for his recovery.
The Vatican will continue its operations during his hospitalisation, while holding off on decisions that require his signature. The pope retains full papal authority.
He was previously expected to embark on an 11-day tour across Latin America in November, travelling over 19,000 miles on 14 flights.
The pope’s swift decision to undergo surgery was motivated by a desire to recover as much as possible before his travels. However, no further updates regarding the trip have been released.
On Wednesday (14 Oct), Vatican News reported that Pope Leo’s first night in the hospital was peaceful. He celebrated Mass while in the hospital.
The next day, Pope Leo’s recovery was reported to be proceeding smoothly.
According to a report by the Vatican Press Office, he has begun walking again, engaging in respiratory physiotherapy exercises, and resuming a regular diet including breakfast and lunch.
Also read: New Pope Leo XIV has been elected, the 1st-ever American pope
New Pope Leo XIV has been elected, the 1st-ever American pope
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Vatican Media via Catholic Online News (left) and Vatican News via Facebook (right).