Metro Manila, Philippines – After being diagnosed with lung cancer, Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 13, with the Vatican confirming that the operation was successful and without complications.
In a medical update released by the Holy See Press Office, the Vatican announced that doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung after examinations confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in the glandular cells of the lungs.
The diagnosis was confirmed through an intraoperative histological examination, which involves examining tissue during surgery. The Vatican said doctors had already suspected the condition based on examinations conducted before the procedure.
The surgery was performed using a video-assisted technique, allowing surgeons to operate with the assistance of a camera.
“The operation was successful, and there were no complications,” the Holy See Press Office said.
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the surgery itself only lasted about 90 minutes.
The pontiff was admitted to Gemelli Hospital earlier Tuesday to undergo a scheduled operation to remove what the Vatican initially described as a “small, localized nodule” from his lung.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni earlier disclosed that the nodule had been discovered during routine medical examinations.
The Vatican had previously indicated that the pontiff was expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week following surgery.
With reports from Vatican News
