Pope Leo undergoes successful lung cancer surgery, Vatican says

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer but successfully underwent surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung, according to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute procedure at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday. Following the operation, he was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer typically found in the outer regions of the organ.

The Vatican confirmed that the procedure went smoothly and without complications. After waking normally from anesthesia and spending a brief period in observation, the Pope returned to his room. He spent a peaceful night in the hospital and is expected to remain under medical supervision for approximately one week to ensure a proper recovery.

Large crowds gathered outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital ahead of the surgery, cheering as the Pope waved and smiled from his vehicle. Upon arrival, he was greeted by hospital staff on the steps. When one staff member expressed sympathy, the Pope responded with a lighthearted smile and a shrug, maintaining a calm demeanor despite the significant medical news.

The Vatican explained that the entire lower lobe of the right lung was removed during the 90-minute operation to ensure that the procedure was completely radical. It was actually Pope Leo himself who first broke the news to the world during his weekly Sunday prayers in St Peter's Square, informing pilgrims that doctors had discovered a nodule on his lung. He reassured the public at the time that the growth was well-contained and caught at an early stage, though his medical team advised immediate removal.

While nodules are common and not always malignant, subsequent examinations confirmed the pre-operative suspicion of cancer. A Vatican source speaking to AFP noted that further tests are currently being conducted to determine whether the cancer has spread to any other parts of the body. Despite the diagnosis, the Vatican has emphasized that the Pope had displayed no prior symptoms of infection or illness.

Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo reported that he had an audience with the pontiff shortly before the procedure and detected no physical issues. The Pope's schedule has been cleared until October 20 to facilitate his recovery. He was reportedly keen to undergo the surgery immediately to avoid delaying an upcoming and highly anticipated trip to Latin America in early November.

This upcoming journey holds deep personal significance for the pontiff, as it includes a visit to Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and a Bishop for many years. Although the Vatican and medical teams have offered reassuring updates regarding his condition, the news has inevitably caused concern among Catholics worldwide, many of whom recall the frequent hospital visits of Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away the previous year and had also undergone a partial lung removal procedure in his lifetime.