Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful lung surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after medical examinations indicated the presence of lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The Vatican confirmed that surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pontiff’s right lung during a planned procedure on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a medical statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the operation was performed using a video-assisted surgical technique to ensure the complete removal of the affected tissue. An examination conducted during surgery confirmed the suspected diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, which had previously been identified through preoperative testing.
The Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the surgical procedure itself lasted around 90 minutes. Doctors reported that the operation was completed successfully without complications. Pope Leo regained consciousness normally following the procedure and was transferred back to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor after a brief observation period.
The surgical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, with assistance from Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella. The anesthesia team included Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr. Giovanni Punzo and Dr. Giuseppe Bello.
Medical specialists are expected to conduct further examinations of the removed lung tissue over the coming days. The Vatican indicated that the Pope’s previously announced hospital stay of approximately one week remains unchanged.
Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said the pontiff was recovering following the operation and had requested dinner before spending the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff members.
The Vatican is expected to provide further updates on Pope Leo XIV’s recovery and additional medical findings as postoperative examinations continue.
