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Pope Leo XIV’s successful lung surgery confirms adenocarcinoma

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 10:59 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pope Leo Surgery

Vatican officials reported Pope Leo XIV underwent lung surgery in Italy.
Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, confirming adenocarcinoma.
The 90-minute operation was successful with no complications, said Dr. Luigi Carbone and Dr. Stefano Margaritora.
Post-operative tests and X-ray showed normal values as Pope Leo began walking and physiotherapy.
Vatican announced he will stay hospitalized for a week while all audiences are cancelled through October 20.

Summary

Pope Leo Diagnosis

Pope Leo publicly acknowledges his cancer, breaking centuries-long Vatican secrecy on papal health.
His brother Louis Prevost is experiencing a relapse of multiple myeloma, a blood cancer.
King Charles of Britain sent a private letter supporting the pope.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres offered prayers for the pope’s recovery.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope stays in a regular room while the papal apartment is renovated.

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Pope Leo Surgery

Vatican officials reported Pope Leo XIV underwent lung surgery in Italy.
Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, confirming adenocarcinoma.
The 90-minute operation was successful with no complications, said Dr. Luigi Carbone and Dr. Stefano Margaritora.
Post-operative tests and X-ray showed normal values as Pope Leo began walking and physiotherapy.
Vatican announced he will stay hospitalized for a week while all audiences are cancelled through October 20.

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