Pope Leo XIV has reportedly been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, after surgery to remove a nodule from his right lung at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The 71-year-old pontiff is not known to have smoked. The operation was performed by Dr Stefano Margaritora, the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon. Before surgery, medical staff gathered in the hospital chapel to pray the rosary.
“Let us join together in prayer, asking the Lord to sustain our bishop, Pope Leo, and to comfort all those who are hospitalized here,” Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar of Rome, said.
The Vatican said the procedure was completed “successfully, on schedule and as planned,” and that the pope had returned to his room.
Leo said doctors found a small, localised lung nodule during routine medical checks and that he would have it removed.
He is expected to remain in hospital for at least a week. His public engagements have been cancelled through October 20.
Some pilgrims were disappointed they could not see him, but many prayed for his recovery. Yolanda Avella, 57, who travelled from Tampa, Florida, said she was worried but hopeful. The Rev. Pius Mathew, who organised the group’s visit, said the pope’s health came first.
Cardinal Kikuchi Tsutomu of Tokyo said Leo told him he felt fine and chose surgery promptly to avoid disrupting upcoming engagements.
Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. The trip would be the longest of his papacy, covering more than 19,000 miles.
The Vatican said he was staying in a regular hospital room because renovations were underway in the dedicated papal apartment.
Leo also experienced a serious illness while serving in Peru. In his 2025 biography, he described it as a turning point that influenced his decision to remain in the country and continue his work with the Augustinian order and the Church.
