Pope Leo XIV lung surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, prompting concern among Catholics and medical analysis from Chicago specialists.
Pope Leo XIV lung surgery on October 13, 2026 was conducted at Rome's Gemelli Hospital following diagnosed pulmonary adenocarcinoma after the removal of his right lung's lower lobe.
What happened?
Surgeons removed the lobe and diagnosed the cancer.
When and where?
The surgery occurred on October 13 at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
What's next?
The 70 plus-year-old pontiff is recovering, while Chicago specialists are explaining how early the diagnosis can affect treatment.
The Vatican reported that the operation went smoothly and the diagnosis has attracted international attention as Catholics in Chicago, the Pope's hometown, offer prayers and medical specialists discuss the implications.
What did doctors find during Pope Leo XIV's lung surgery?
According to Vatican News, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung using a video-assisted method. The operation took approximately 90 minutes, but the Pope spent three hours in the operating room.
Testing of the removed tissue revealed lung adenocarcinoma, the cancer for which the doctors had suspected before surgery. The Vatican reported the pope awoke to his normal condition and returned to his hospital room.
The Pontiff revealed the diagnosis of a localized nodule in his lungs before the operation, calling it early stage.
What are Chicago doctors saying about his recovery?
Dr. Justin Karush, a thoracic surgeon with the Canning Thoracic Institute at Northwestern Medicine, told ABC7 Chicago that the diagnosis was very suspicious.
"It was highly suspicious based on what they had previously reported that this was going to be a cancer," Karush said.
He added that surgery alone would be enough for stage-one lung cancer, which is the case for the pontiff. However, the exact stage of the Pope's cancer and if he will need further therapies are not yet public knowledge.
How are Chicago Catholics reacting?
The diagnosis has led to an outpouring of support from Catholics in the Chicago area, with worshippers at Holy Name Cathedral and other local parishes praying for the recovery of the first American-born Pope Leo XIV, who was born Robert Prevost, a Chicago native.
What's next for Pope Leo XIV?
The Vatican expected the pope to be hospitalized for about a week and the public appearances have been canceled through October 20. His planned November trip to Latin America could depend on his recovery and the medical recommendation.
Doctors' assessments and further findings will determine if the surgery was enough for the pontiff's cancer, as an uncomplicated operation is a good sign, but it does not indicate a full prognosis.
More to Know
Cancer type: Pope Leo XIV has pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer.
Surgical outcome: The Vatican reported a successful procedure without complications.
Medical uncertainty: The exact stage of the cancer and possible need for further therapies are unclear publicly.
Pope Leo XIV's lung surgery has revealed a cancer diagnosis and his recovery has attracted international attention. His successful surgery offers a positive outlook, but further medical findings will be essential in determining the prognosis.
For now, Business Fortune reports the Vatican's updates will be the primary source of information on the pontiff's condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened during Pope Leo XIV's lung surgery?
On October 13, 2026, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung at Gemelli Hospital in Rome and tissue testing confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
- What type of cancer does Pope Leo XIV have?
The Vatican confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer that belongs to the non-small cell lung cancer group.
- Is Pope Leo XIV recovering well after surgery?
The Vatican reported that the operation was successful, without complications, and the Pope awoke to his normal condition and returned to his hospital room.
- Will Pope Leo XIV need chemotherapy or radiation?
That has not been confirmed and further medical findings will be necessary to determine the stage of his cancer and if he needs further therapies.
- How long will Pope Leo XIV stay in the hospital?
The Vatican expected his hospital stay to be about a week and his recovery and the medical recommendation will determine when he can return to his public duties.
Sources
Reuters , Vatican News , ABC7 Chicago .
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