Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery that removed part of his right lung, confirmed by the Vatican on Tuesday. The 71-year-old pontiff is currently recovering at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital.
Surgeons excised the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung, which confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, according to the statement from Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora. The procedure took about 90 minutes and was successful without any complications, according to the Holy See Press Office.
Pope Leo XIV is now awake post-surgery and has returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor. He disclosed on Sunday that a localized nodule in his lung was discovered during recent medical exams. This growth was detected early, leading doctors to recommend surgical removal.
Further medical evaluations will ascertain whether additional treatment is necessary.
When Will the Pope Resume His Duties?
The Vatican has suspended the Pope’s public engagements until October 20 as he recuperates. Reports suggest he will remain hospitalized for about a week. His planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru is expected to proceed.
What Is Adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that develops in glandular cells, which produce substances like mucus. In the lungs, it represents the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer and typically manifests in the outer areas of the lungs.
It can occur in both smokers and non-smokers and even in individuals with no tobacco history. Symptoms may include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss, though early-stage patients may have no symptoms.
Treatment strategy depends on the cancer’s stage, characteristics, and the patient’s health. Options encompass surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy. If detected early and fully removable via surgery, prognosis may be more favorable. However, further treatment and long-term prognosis hinge on pathology results and the potential spread of cancer.
This is developing news. Further updates will follow.
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