The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer after a tumour was removed from his right lung during surgery in Rome. The 90-minute operation took place at Agostino Gemelli Hospital, according to the available report.

Doctors removed the lower part of the Pope's right lung. Tests on the tumour confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer. The Vatican said the operation was successful, with no complications reported during the procedure. Pope Leo regained consciousness afterwards.

His public engagements have been cancelled through 20 October as he rests and recovers. Doctors are also checking whether the cancer has spread to other parts of his body, according to AFP reporting included in the available material.

What is known about the diagnosis

The tumour was discovered during a routine medical check-up. Before the operation, doctors had suspected that the growth could be cancerous. Pope Leo had described the lung nodule as limited and said it had been detected at an early stage.

A pulmonary nodule is a small growth in the lung. Such nodules are common and are not necessarily cancerous. In the Pope's case, further examination confirmed that the nodule was cancerous.

Pope Leo spoke about the planned surgery on Sunday while addressing people from a balcony overlooking Saint Peter's Square in Rome. Later, news of his hospital admission drew large numbers of people, some of whom waited for hours. When his car arrived, people welcomed him, and he waved from the vehicle window.

Pope Leo XIV's position

Pope Leo XIV was elected the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church on 8 May 2025. He is the first Pope from the United States. His birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, and he was born in Chicago on 14 September 1955.

Before becoming Pope, he served as a priest, missionary and bishop. He spent many years in Peru and served as bishop in the Chiclayo area. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to lead an important Vatican department connected with the selection of bishops. He was later made a cardinal.

The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church and its spiritual leader. He lives in Vatican City and guides churches, priests and bishops around the world. His public role also includes speaking on religious teachings, moral issues, war, poverty and peace.

Conclusion

The verified update is that Pope Leo XIV's lung tumour was removed successfully, cancer was confirmed through testing, and his public schedule remains cancelled through 20 October while doctors continue their assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What diagnosis has been confirmed for Pope Leo XIV?

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer. Tests identified pulmonary adenocarcinoma in the removed tumour.

Q. What surgery did Pope Leo undergo?

Doctors removed the lower part of his right lung during a 90-minute operation in Rome.

Q. Where was the surgery performed?

The operation took place at Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

Q. Was the operation successful?

The Vatican said the surgery was successful and that no complications occurred during the procedure. The Pope regained consciousness afterwards.

Q. How long have his public engagements been cancelled?

His public engagements have been cancelled through 20 October while he rests and receives medical attention.

Q. When was Pope Leo XIV elected?

He was elected the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church on 8 May 2025.

Q. What was Pope Leo's name before becoming Pope?

His birth name is Robert Francis Prevost. He was born in Chicago on 14 September 1955.