Pope Leo XIV underwent a procedure Tuesday at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to remove a small nodule from his lung, the Vatican said.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent thoracic surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors confirmed that the nodule was lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office.
The diagnosis was confirmed by examining tissue during the operation and matched the results of preoperative tests, the Vatican said.
Leo spent about three hours in the operating room, while the surgery itself lasted approximately 90 minutes.
Doctors said the operation was successful and that no complications occurred.
Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by Health Director Andrea Cambieri as he arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung in Rome on Tuesday. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
According to a statement by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, the pope awoke normally after the procedure. Following a short observation period, he was taken back to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.
“Doctors found a small lump in the lung,” Leo said Monday after leading the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. “It was identified at a very early stage and well situated.”
“The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene and so, following their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it,” he added. “The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I rely on your prayer.”
The Vatican confirmed that surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung using a video-assisted technique.
DISCOVER MORE: Is Stray Kids Felix Bi? Sexuality And Partner 2024
Pope Leo XIV steps out as the first American pope in history at the Vatican on May 8, 2025. (Vatican Media)
The diagnosis came as a surprise involving the American-born pontiff, who had no previously known health problems and is recognized for leading an active lifestyle.
According to The Associated Press, Leo regularly plays tennis and swims at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York expressed his support for the pope, saying the Holy Father is “in our prayers.”
“We thank God that the surgery on Pope Leo was, by all accounts, successful, and that he continues his recovery and recuperation,” Hicks said. “I know that I join with people from all corners of this archdiocese, across the country, and around the world in keeping the Holy Father in our prayers.”
Leo is scheduled to make a major international trip from Nov. 6–17, with stops planned in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It is not yet clear whether the surgery or his recovery will alter those plans.
Pope Leo XIV delivers the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday. (Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo)
During his Sunday remarks, Leo also renewed his call for peace in war-torn Ukraine, warning that the conflict is causing hardship well beyond the country’s borders.
“The war in the martyred Ukraine continues to create suffering, even beyond its borders, especially in the poorest countries, where many people depend on the exports of cereals and grains,” the pope said.
