Tuesday 13 October 2026
by BILL HEANEY
The Pope has undergone surgery to treat lung cancer.
The Vatican confirmed the pontiff had a lower lobe of his right lung removed during the procedure, which was described as successful and went as planned.
An examination of the lung revealed a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.
The operation lasted around 90 minutes, said the Vatican.
It is the first major health issue of his 17-month tenure.
The Vatican said in a statement on Tuesday: “The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled.
“To ensure a complete resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique.
“Intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected from preoperative tests.
Following the surgery, the patient woke up normally and, after a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the 10th floor.
“The procedure was completed successfully, within the expected timeframe and as planned.”
Professor Stefano Margaritora, the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon, led the operation.
Pope Leo left the Vatican ahead of the surgery shortly before 1 pm local time, and shook hands with several officials after arriving at the hospital.
Some well-wishers shouted ‘auguri’ (best wishes) as he headed in via the main entrance.
The pontiff is expected to recover in hospital for about a week, the Vatican said, with all of his public events cancelled until 20 October.
Pope Leo, who is originally from the US, has no previously known health problems and is physically active, with weekly games of tennis and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
The pontiff told pilgrims during his weekly Sunday noon blessing from St Peter’s Square in the Vatican City: “The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene, and so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed.
“I thank you and entrust myself to your prayers.”