Pope Leo XIV lung cancer diagnosis and surgery
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove part of his right lung at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. He cancelled planned public events ahead of the procedure and was later discharged, appearing in St. Peter's Square to tell the faithful he would gradually resume his duties.
Current state
Pope Leo XIV is recovering at the Vatican after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung for adenocarcinoma; he appeared in St. Peter's Square on 18 October, said he would gradually resume his duties, and the Vatican scheduled a general audience for 20 October.
5 sources · 5 reports · Updated 19 Oct 2026
What changed
The Vatican scheduled a general audience with pilgrims for Pope Leo XIV on 20 October, concretizing his planned return to public duties after lung cancer surgery.
Developments
- Key development
After surgery, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV had been diagnosed with lung cancer, specifically adenocarcinoma.
- Key development
On 13 October he was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital and underwent successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung; the procedure lasted roughly 90 minutes with no reported complications.
- Key development
He cancelled all planned public events until 20 October.
- Key development
On 11 October, Pope Leo XIV announced he would undergo surgery to remove a small, early-stage nodule on his lung.
Current story coverage
Earlier coverage
- Pope pictured for first time since surgery and cancer diagnosis The pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer after having surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday.
- What to Know About Pope Leo's Lung Cancer Diagnosis Surgeons removed part of the Pontiff’s right lung and reported he had adenocarcinoma.
- Pope Leo cancels all public events ahead of lung surgery Pope Leo has cancelled all planned public events until Tuesday 20 October, ahead of surgery to remove a small growth on one of his lungs.
- Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove nodule on his lung The 71-year-old Leo said the nodule was found at an early stage and was "circumscribed" or small and well-localized. The Vatican said Leo's expected recovery time from surgery would be a week.