Pope Leo Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery

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By TRH World Desk

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma after surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung. Vatican says the operation was successful.

New Delhi, October 14, 2026 — Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung, according to CBS News.

The Vatican has confirmed the diagnosis as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, described as a common form of lung cancer. Doctors had apparently suspected cancer before the surgery, but a tissue examination during the operation confirmed the diagnosis.

According to CBS News, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique, a minimally invasive procedure. The operation itself took about 90 minutes, while the Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room.

The Vatican said the surgery was successful and that there were no complications. CBS News reported that Pope Leo woke normally from anaesthesia and returned to his room on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital.

The report noted that several important details about the Pope’s condition have not been disclosed.

The Vatican has not said what stage the cancer is at or whether the cancer has spread elsewhere. It also remains unclear whether surgeons successfully removed all of the cancerous tissue and whether Pope Leo will require additional treatment, including radiation or other therapies.

It is not yet clear how long the Pope will remain hospitalized, said multiple reports, quoting Vatican sources.

The diagnosis could also affect Pope Leo’s upcoming schedule.

CBS News reported that the Pope had cancelled all audiences through October 20. The network also noted that the typical recommendation following a procedure of this kind is to avoid air travel for approximately three weeks.

That recovery period would place Pope Leo close to the start of his scheduled South America trip on November 6.

However, CBS News emphasized that the situation has now changed because the earlier medical guidance was issued before doctors knew that the Pope had cancer.

Further details about the Pope’s cancer, treatment and ability to resume his schedule remain unknown.

“Louis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV’s older brother who lives in Florida, has multiple myeloma,” CBS News reported, quoting his wife.