Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Following Surgery
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove part of his lung, according to an official statement from the Vatican. The procedure took place on October 13 at Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome, where doctors successfully removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung after identifying a localized nodule during a medical evaluation.
The nodule was confirmed to be pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of lung cancer. During the operation, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, the surgical team employed a video-assisted technique to ensure thorough removal of the affected tissue. Dr. Luigi Carbone, Director of Vatican Healthcare Services, and lead surgeon Professor Stephano Margaritora reported that a histological examination conducted during the surgery confirmed the diagnosis.
Following the surgery, Pope Leo XIV had a calm recovery and reportedly asked for dinner shortly after the procedure. Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, noted that the Pope spent his first night post-surgery in the company of his secretaries and other Vatican staff members. He is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week, during which further examinations will be conducted on the removed lung tissue.
As of now, there has been no indication regarding whether the Pope will require additional treatment. The Vatican has committed to providing updates on his health as necessary.
Adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that accounts for around 40% of all lung cancer cases worldwide. It originates in the mucus-producing epithelial cells and is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Treatment options for NSCLC vary based on the cancer stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Generally, surgery is the first step in treating this type of cancer, with the goal of removing the entire lobe containing the tumor to improve the patient’s prognosis.
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for NSCLC that has not spread beyond the lung is approximately 67%. This statistic emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in improving outcomes for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer.
Pope Leo XIV, now 71 years old, is currently focused on recovery, and the community is hopeful for positive updates regarding his health in the coming days.
