Pope Leo XIV, 71, has been diagnosed with lung cancer — adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis was confirmed after surgery to remove part of his right lung, Reuters reports, citing a Vatican medical bulletin.
Analysis of tissue samples obtained during the surgery confirmed the findings of previous medical examinations. The stage of the disease has not been disclosed.
Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli clinic on October 13 to have a growth removed that was detected during a routine medical check-up. The operation lasted about 90 minutes and was successful, with no complications.
The Vatican said the pontiff would remain in hospital for about a week. All his public engagements have been cancelled until October 20.
No information on the stage of the disease
Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown University in Washington, said that the stage of the disease is crucial for prognosis and treatment selection. However, no information has been provided about the stage of the adenocarcinoma.
There has also been no information on whether metastases are present, the subsequent treatment plan, or the prognosis for the pontiff.
Leo XIV was elected pope in May 2025
According to Reuters, Leo XIV was elected pope in May 2025. He is considered relatively young among the leaders of the Catholic Church.
The pontiff is known to be interested in sports, particularly tennis. It was also previously reported that he does not smoke and had not experienced serious health problems.
The World Health Organization has noted that the proportion of people who have never smoked but are diagnosed with lung cancer is increasing. Air pollution is cited as one of the significant factors.
