Pope Leo diagnosed with cancer after surgery to remove part of lung

What the report says

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to a Vatican medical bulletin reported by Al Jazeera. The 71-year-old pontiff is recovering at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after the operation, which the Vatican said lasted about 90 minutes and was successful with no complications. Tests had suggested the diagnosis before the procedure, and the Holy See said doctors have not yet discussed chemotherapy or other treatment while further results are reviewed.

Al Jazeera reported that the Vatican expects the pope to remain in hospital for about a week, and that all of his audiences through October 20 have been cancelled. The medical update described the removal as “radical,” suggesting doctors aimed to eliminate all visible cancerous tissue. The report also noted that Leo first disclosed the finding during his Sunday noon prayer in St Peter’s Square and said he chose surgery after doctors advised it.

The development comes ahead of a planned Latin America trip set for November 6-17, with visits scheduled to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Al Jazeera said it is still unclear whether the recovery period will affect the tour. More broadly, the report places the case in the context of the pope’s active public schedule and unusual openness about his health, including a pre-surgery appearance outside the hospital to greet well-wishers.