ROME (AP) – Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday, which confirmed the presence of lung cancer. Doctors performed a lobectomy, removing the lower lobe of his right lung, as stated by the Vatican.
The medical bulletin released after the surgery confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. This diagnosis had been suspected based on preoperative tests, with confirmation achieved during surgery. The statement did not specify any future treatment plans, indicating that discussions about chemotherapy and other therapies would take place once additional test results were available. The report mentioned that the "radical" removal of the lung lobe indicated the intent to eliminate all suspicious tissue associated with the cancer.
The surgery involved the removal and examination of the pope's lymph nodes to ascertain whether the cancer had metastasized. There has been no update on the lymph node test results. Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, remarked that adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type of lung cancer, typically presenting a favorable prognosis. Liu emphasized the importance of determining the cancer stage, evaluating the size and number of nodules present, and assessing the lymph nodes for malignancy.
If cancer spread is confirmed, further testing could ascertain the appropriate treatment approach, which may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy using specific oral medications. The Vatican affirmed that the surgery was successful, noting that the pope spent about three hours in the operating room, with the surgical procedure itself lasting roughly 90 minutes. Post-surgery, Leo returned to his hospital room, with no complications reported.
The pope, aged 71, arrived at Rome's Gemelli hospital earlier in the day, entering through the main entrance and greeting well-wishers gathered outside. The surgical team was led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at Gemelli. Pope Leo has been open about his first major health issue during his 17-month papacy, having shared the discovery of the lung nodule during a Sunday prayer and announcing the decision for its removal.
Prior to the operation, oncologists indicated that Leo's prognosis would remain "excellent," given the early-stage detection of the localized nodule. The Vatican canceled all of Leo's audiences scheduled through October 20 in light of the surgery.
While past popes used a specific papal apartment at Gemelli, the current renovations in that area led the pope to stay in a nearby room. Recovery from the surgery will determine whether Pope Leo can proceed with his planned trip to South America next month. Oncologists often advise patients against flying for three weeks post-surgery, which would coincide just appropriately with his proposed travel dates from November 6 to 17.
The proposed itinerary for the trip is ambitious, covering a total distance of over 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) across multiple flights and helicopter rides, as well as significant altitude changes in Peru. Cardinal Kikuchi Tsutomu from Tokyo stressed that the pope's decision to have surgery was planned to avoid altering his future engagement schedule, emphasizing that the situation was not urgent.
A lung nodule, typically measuring less than 3 centimeters (1.2 inches), can be revealed through CT scans conducted for reasons unrelated to lung cancer screening. Such nodules may be benign or malignant, prompting surgical removal to clarify the diagnosis and treat any malignancy at its localized stage.
This hospitalization marks only the second health-related admission for Pope Leo, an individual noted for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle involving regular tennis and swimming. His first significant health issue occurred in 1985 when he contracted typhoid fever shortly after beginning his missionary work in Chulucanas, Peru. The illness significantly impacted his life choices, leading him to remain in Peru—a decision that ultimately paved the way for his papacy.
Pope Leo shared that during his typhoid fever ordeal, he prayed for death to escape the intense suffering, a moment that molded his future paths and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the needs of the community.
