POPE Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday that confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer, the Vatican announced in an official medical bulletin.
Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in what was described as a “radical” procedure intended to excise all suspect tissue. Tests conducted both before and during the operation confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of the disease, which medical experts note generally carries a more favorable prognosis than other types.
The Vatican stated that no decision has yet been made regarding further treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, as additional test results are still pending.
Lymph nodes removed during the procedure have been sent for analysis to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the lung; those results have not yet been released. Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown University, emphasized that the next critical step is establishing the disease’s stage: confirming the tumor’s size, whether multiple nodules are present, and if lymph nodes show signs of cancerous involvement. Should the cancer have spread, tailored treatment plans will be developed based on the specific findings.
While the procedure itself was deemed successful, the Vatican has not provided a timeline for the Pope’s recovery or return to public duties. The Holy See has pledged to share further medical updates as additional information becomes available, and has asked the faithful to keep the Pope in their prayers during his convalescence.
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