Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful thoracic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with doctors confirming a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma following examination of tissue removed during the operation.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung on Tuesday afternoon.
The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the Pope spent about three hours in the operating room.
Doctors reported that the surgery was successful and that there were no complications.
Pope Leo XIV awoke normally after the procedure and, following a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor.
The statement was issued by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, who provided details of the procedure and its outcome.
By Rachel Mumba
