Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery Tuesday at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to remove a small nodule from his lung, the Vatican reported.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent thoracic surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung and doctors confirmed he had lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, according to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office.
A tissue analysis performed during the operation confirmed the diagnosis and matched the results of tests conducted before surgery, according to the Vatican.
The pope was in the operating room for about three hours, while the procedure itself lasted approximately 90 minutes.
Doctors said the lung surgery was successful and proceeded without complications.
Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by Health Director Andrea Cambieri as he arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung in Rome on Tuesday. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
Leo woke normally after the operation and, following a short period of observation, returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor, according to a statement from Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora.
“Doctors found a small lump in the lung,” Leo said after delivering the Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square on Monday. “It was identified at a very early stage and well situated.”
“The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene and so, following their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it,” he added. “The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I rely on your prayer.”
The Vatican later confirmed that surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique.
Pope Leo XIV steps out as the first American pope in history at the Vatican on May 8, 2025. (Vatican Media)
The health announcement came unexpectedly for the American-born pontiff, who had no previously known medical problems and is recognized for leading an active lifestyle.
According to The Associated Press, Leo regularly plays tennis and swims at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York expressed his support for the pope, saying the Holy Father remains “in our prayers.”
“We thank God that the surgery on Pope Leo was, by all accounts, successful, and that he continues his recovery and recuperation,” Archbishop Hicks said. “I know that I join with people from all corners of this archdiocese, across the country, and around the world in keeping the Holy Father in our prayers.”
The pope is scheduled to make a major international trip from Nov. 6–17, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It is not yet known whether the surgery or his recovery will alter those plans.
Pope Leo XIV delivers the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday. (Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo)
Alongside his comments about his health, Leo used his Sunday address to renew his call for peace in war-torn Ukraine, warning that the conflict is causing hardship well beyond the country’s borders.
“The war in the martyred Ukraine continues to create suffering, even beyond its borders, especially in the poorest countries, where many people depend on the exports of cereals and grains,” the pope said.