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Health & Science · October 13, 2026

Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery

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Pope Leo XIV, 71, underwent a successful 90-minute thoracic surgery on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung. The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis as lung adenocarcinoma after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique. The Pope, who was elected in 2025 as the first American pontiff, remains hospitalized in stable condition. His public schedule has been cleared through October 20, leaving uncertainty regarding a planned trip to South America in November.

Read the original coverage

Reported by multiple outlets

  • Pope Leo XIV is 71 years old.
  • The surgery took place on Tuesday at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
  • The diagnosis is lung adenocarcinoma.
  • The lower lobe of the Pope's right lung was removed.
  • The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes within a three-hour window in the operating room.
  • The Pope regained consciousness normally and is staying on the 10th floor of the hospital.
  • The nodule was first announced by the Pope himself on Sunday.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The Wall Street Journal identifies the cancer as 'small-cell lung cancer,' while medical definitions of adenocarcinoma (mentioned by all) usually classify it as non-small cell lung cancer.
  • The Hill reports a Vatican source stating further tests are being conducted to see if the cancer has spread.
  • CBS News and The Wall Street Journal mention the Pope's active lifestyle includes tennis and swimming.
  • The Wall Street Journal specifies he was elected the first American pope in 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.
  • The Hill notes the Pope previously served as a missionary and Bishop in Peru.

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