VATICAN CITY | October 14, 2026 | Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, the Vatican confirmed.
According to a medical bulletin released by the Holy See Press Office, the diagnosis was confirmed during surgery, as suspected from the pontiff’s preoperative examinations. The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, and the pope spent about three hours in the operating room.
The Vatican reported that the procedure was successful and that no complications occurred. Pope Leo awoke from anesthesia as expected and, after a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.
The operation used a video-assisted surgical technique to remove the affected portion of the lung. The procedure was intended to remove the diseased tissue, although further medical findings will be important in determining the extent of the cancer and the next steps in his care.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in glandular cells in the lung. The Vatican has not released a detailed prognosis, and the available medical bulletin does not establish whether the disease has spread beyond the removed lung tissue.
The 71-year-old pontiff announced on October 11 that doctors had discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. He said the growth had been detected at an early stage and that doctors recommended surgery to remove it.
Pope Leo is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week as he recovers. His public engagements have been suspended through October 20, allowing time for medical observation and recuperation.
The diagnosis marks the first major publicly disclosed health issue of his papacy, which began in May 2025. The Vatican has not announced whether his planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will be affected by his recovery.
As the pope recuperates, Catholics around the world continue to offer prayers for his healing. The Vatican has said further information on his condition will be provided as appropriate.
The immediate focus remains on Pope Leo’s recovery and the results of further medical assessments, which will help clarify his prognosis and whether additional treatment will be required.
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
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