Pope Leo XIV
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung, with the Vatican suspending all his public engagements until further notice to allow the 71-year-old pontiff time to recover.
The 90-minute operation, performed on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, involved the removal of the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung in a procedure intended to eliminate the tumour completely.
The Vatican confirmed that the operation was successful and that there were no complications, offering reassurance to millions of Catholics worldwide who have been following developments surrounding the Pope’s health.
“The operation was successful and there were no complications,” the Vatican said in a medical bulletin, adding that the pontiff awoke normally after surgery and returned to his room following a brief period of observation.
The Vatican subsequently reported that Pope Leo had enjoyed a peaceful night and was recovering normally. He is expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week under medical supervision.
Lung Adenocarcinoma diagnosis
Despite the successful surgery, the Vatican confirmed that examination of tissue removed during the operation established that the Pope had lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of non-small cell lung cancer.
The diagnosis confirmed suspicions raised by pre-operative examinations after doctors discovered a small nodule in the Pope’s lung during routine health checks.
Adenocarcinoma can affect both smokers and non-smokers. Although the diagnosis has raised concerns about the pontiff’s health, the growth was reportedly detected at an early stage and was believed to be localised.
Doctors used a video-assisted thoracic surgical technique to remove the entire lower lobe of the right lung, aiming to achieve what the Vatican described as a radical resection, or complete removal of the affected tissue.
Further tests are being conducted to establish whether the cancer has spread beyond the affected area. The results will be important in determining whether additional treatment is necessary.
Although early detection and complete surgical removal can offer favourable outcomes for some patients with localised lung adenocarcinoma, the Pope’s individual prognosis will depend on the final findings and his subsequent recovery.
Pope Personally Announced Operation
In a demonstration of openness about his health, Pope Leo disclosed the problem himself during his traditional Angelus blessing in St Peter’s Square on Sunday.
Addressing the faithful, he said doctors had discovered a small growth that was contained and had been identified at a very early stage. His medical team had recommended surgery to remove it.
The pontiff, who was not known to have experienced symptoms of infection or illness, subsequently checked into Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday ahead of the operation.
Crowds gathered outside the hospital to welcome him, offering prayers and messages of encouragement as he arrived in Rome.
The Pope responded by waving and smiling through the lowered rear window of his vehicle before being received by hospital staff.
His admission has nevertheless caused anxiety among Catholics, particularly those who had regarded him as a relatively healthy leader.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin acknowledged the shock of the announcement, describing the news as an unexpected development. However, he expressed confidence in the pontiff’s recovery, pointing to his calm demeanour.
Outside the hospital, some faithful remained to pray for the Pope’s recovery. One Catholic, Carla, told the BBC that his apparent composure had helped reassure those concerned about his condition.
“He seems calm, so we are calm too — even though illness is always unpleasant,” she said.
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