Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and that the lower lobe of his right lung was removed
The Hill · C · trust 79/100
Comments: by Ford McCracken - 10/13/26 5:59 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Ford McCracken - 10/13/26 5:59 PM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican said Tuesday, after he underwent surgery to remove a nodule from his lung.
The 90-minute procedure was successful and removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican said the pope was recovering and that there were no planned changes to his hospitalization time, which was set at one week.
Leo was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer which is more likely to be localized and responds to treatment, according to Harvard Medical School . Adenocarcinoma is more commonly found in smokers, but is also the most common form of lung cancer in non-smokers.
The Vatican said that it would provide another update Wednesday morning on Leo’s condition. He underwent his procedure at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, Italy.
The pontiff was elected as the first U.S.-born pope in May 2025. He previously served as a cardinal, or senior member of the clergy.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote in a statement to social platform X on Tuesday calling for continued prayers for Leo’s recovery.
“We ask the faithful to continue praying for Pope Leo’s recovery and for the doctors and staff caring for him,” the conference wrote. “We also hold in prayer all who are living with cancer, their families, and those who care for them.”
Leo is scheduled to travel to South America next month, and the Vatican has not announced a change to those plans.
Read the original at The Hill →
Open in TruthVane →