VATICAN CITY
Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors diagnosed him with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.
According to a medical statement released by the Holy See Press Office, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung during an operation on Tuesday afternoon.
The procedure was performed using video-assisted surgery, with doctors confirming the cancer diagnosis after examining tissue during the operation.
The surgical procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes, although the Pope spent about three hours in the operating room.
Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said the operation was successful, with no complications reported.
The Pope regained consciousness normally and was returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor after a brief period of observation.
Professor Margaritora led the surgical team, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella.
Doctors are expected to conduct further examinations on the removed lung tissue in the coming days.
The Vatican said there had been no change to the Pope’s expected hospital stay of one week.
Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said the Pontiff requested dinner following the operation and spent the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff.
The Vatican is expected to issue another medical update on Wednesday, including details of the Pope’s recovery overnight and any available test results.
