Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, following a 90-minute surgical procedure at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The Vatican reported that the surgery was successful and resulted in the removal of the lower lobe of the pope's right lung to ensure a radical resection. The 71-year-old pontiff, who was elected in May 2025 as the first U.S.-born pope, regained consciousness normally and is recovering in a room on the hospital’s 10th floor.
The diagnosis was suspected through preoperative tests after a nodular lesion was discovered in his lung and was confirmed by an intraoperative histological examination of the tissue. On Sunday, October 11, the pope told followers during his noon blessing that he had decided to take action based on doctors' advice. The Vatican had already canceled all of the pope’s public audiences through October 20 to allow for a scheduled one-week hospitalization.
The surgical team was led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at Gemelli. While the specific stage of the cancer was not disclosed, the Vatican noted that adenocarcinoma is a common form of the disease that is often localized and responsive to treatment. Leo is known for an active lifestyle, including regular tennis matches and horse riding, though the Vatican also noted a family history of the disease; his mother died of cancer in 1990 and his brother Louis is currently hospitalized with cancer in Florida.
For the immediate future, the pope’s day-to-day schedule is suspended through at least October 20. If his recovery is prolonged, Vatican protocol dictates that cardinals and senior aides will assume various administrative duties, though theological experts note that previous popes have continued to lead Catholic liturgies while managing chronic illnesses. The financial and logistical planning for upcoming papal events, including the November South American trip, remains in place for now as the Vatican has not announced any formal changes to his long-term itinerary.
What happens next: The Vatican is scheduled to provide a medical update on the pope’s condition on Wednesday morning, October 14. Leo is expected to remain hospitalized in Rome for approximately one week. A final decision on his South American travel is anticipated as his recovery progresses, but no specific deadline for that announcement has been set. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a statement calling for continued prayers for the pontiff and his medical staff during this recovery period.