VATICAN CITY | October 14, 2026 | Pope Leo XIV spent a calm first night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, where doctors confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said Wednesday, prompting prayers and messages of support from Catholics and world leaders.
According to Vatican News, the operation on October 13 was completed successfully without complications. The Holy See Press Office said the pope awoke normally after surgery and returned to his hospital room. Doctors are conducting further examinations of the removed tissue, with additional information expected as his recovery progresses.
The 71-year-old pontiff announced on October 11 that doctors had discovered a small, localized lung nodule and recommended surgery. Tests conducted before the operation raised suspicion of cancer, which was confirmed during the procedure. The Vatican has not yet disclosed whether the disease has spread or whether further treatment will be needed.
Prayers for the pope’s recovery were offered at St. Peter’s Square, where Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle led a Mass while Leo remained hospitalized. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed their support, according to public statements reported by international media.
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first American pope when he was elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. His diagnosis has raised questions about the demands of the papacy, which involves frequent public appearances, international travel and oversight of the Catholic Church’s global administration.
The Vatican has canceled the pope’s public engagements through October 20 and expects his hospital stay to last about a week. His planned November 6 to 17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru remains uncertain pending his recovery.
The diagnosis comes as Leo’s papacy is still taking shape. For now, Vatican operations continue under established administrative arrangements, while decisions requiring the pope’s personal approval may depend on his condition and ability to resume his duties. The Holy See has said further medical updates will be provided as they become available.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
