Pope Leo Recovering In Rome Hospital After Cancerous Lung Growth Is Removed

Pope Leo XIV is recovering at a Rome hospital after surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung, where doctors discovered a cancerous growth, the Vatican announced, according to CNN.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the 90-minute procedure on Tuesday at Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic.

Leo had announced on Sunday that medical checks had revealed a lung nodule that doctors recommended removing. The growth was detected early, according to his earlier statement.

The pope has cancelled public engagements through October 20 and is expected to spend about a week recovering in hospital. Vatican operations will continue, although decisions requiring his signature may be delayed.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin said clergy were praying for the pontiff’s recovery.

Related Tweet:

Pope Leo XIV spent a tranquil night in the Gemelli hospital following an operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung and a confirmed cancer diagnosis, the Vatican said. https://t.co/LktRoHSDYK

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 14, 2026

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Pope Leo To Spend A Week In Hospital Following Lung Procedure

The Vatican said its operations would continue normally during the pope’s hospital stay, but decisions requiring his signature would be delayed.

tippinsightsTIPP Staff