The pope crosses himself at the general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery today to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican announced Tuesday evening.
“The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled. To ensure the radical removal of the tumour, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from preoperative tests,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement concerning the operation performed Tuesday afternoon at Romeʼs Agostino Gemelli University Hospital.
“The Holy Father was in the operating room for approximately three hours, while the procedure itself lasted about 90 minutes,” the statement continued. “The operation was successful, and there were no complications. After surgery, the pope regained consciousness normally and, following a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the 10th floor.”
The statement was prepared by Dr. Luigi Carbone, the popeʼs personal physician, and Professor Stefano Margaritora, who performed the operation.
In addition to Margaritora, the surgical team included Professor Elisa Meacci and Drs. Maria Teresa Congedo and Leonardo Petracca Ciaravella. The anesthesiology team consisted of Professor Massimo Antonelli and Drs. Giovanni Punzo and Giuseppe Bello.
Further postoperative tests, including a histological examination, are expected in the coming days. Doctors have not discussed chemotherapy or similar treatments at this stage.
No change has been communicated regarding the previously announced hospitalisation time of one week. On Wednesday morning the Holy See Press Office will provide an update on how the Pope spent the night and any exam results that have come through.
Following the operation, Pope Leo was served dinner in his room and spent the evening in the company of his secretaries and other Vatican staff.
Source: EWTN