RismadarVoice Reporters
October 13, 2026
Pope Leo XIV has successfully undergone surgery to remove a growth from his lung at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, the Vatican has confirmed.
The operation was carried out on Tuesday afternoon by a thoracic surgery team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora.
In an evening statement, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the procedure had been completed successfully and that the 71-year-old pontiff had returned to his hospital room to recover.
The surgery followed the discovery of a small, localised lung nodule during routine medical examinations.
Pope Leo had personally disclosed the medical finding during his Sunday Angelus address on October 11, explaining that doctors recommended removing the growth after detecting it at an early stage.
The pontiff subsequently entered Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday for the scheduled procedure.
Medical reporting published later on Tuesday indicated that examination of the removed tissue confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The operation reportedly involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung.
The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes, with no complications reported.
The Pope is expected to remain hospitalised for approximately one week while recovering from the operation.
His public engagements have been suspended until October 20, with adjustments made to scheduled Vatican activities.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been assigned to preside over a Mass previously scheduled to be celebrated by the pontiff on Wednesday, October 14.
Pope Leo XIV, who became head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, had continued carrying out official engagements before his admission to hospital.
The Vatican is expected to provide further medical updates as his recovery progresses.
