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Health & Science · October 14, 2026

Pope's cancer prognosis may depend on these factors, doctors say

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Pope Leo XIV underwent a successful three-hour surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican reported that the procedure targeted a localized nodular lesion and that the Pope's post-operative recovery is proceeding normally, with no current plans for chemotherapy. Outside medical experts suggest the early intervention points to a positive prognosis, though the final determination depends on the staging of the cancer and potential lymph node involvement.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
  • The surgery confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer.
  • The Vatican described the lesion as localized and the surgery as successful without complications.
  • The Pope is 71 years old and has been in office for 17 months.
  • Post-operative tests showed the Pope is recovering as expected, including beginning respiratory physiotherapy and walking.
  • The surgery took place at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The Pope is staying in a standard hospital room rather than the traditional papal apartment because the latter is under renovation.
  • The Pope previously suffered from typhoid fever in 1985 while serving as a missionary in Peru.
  • Medical experts noted that recovery typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, potentially allowing the Pope to maintain a planned trip to South America in November.
  • The surgery itself lasted approximately 90 minutes within a 3-hour window in the operating room.
  • The Pope revealed the discovery of the nodule during a Sunday noon prayer.

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