Pope Leo faces recovery period after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is expected to spend about a week in hospital recovering from surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung, as details of his further treatment remain uncertain.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, following the detection of a lung nodule during routine medical checks.

His medical team said subsequent examination confirmed that the nodule was an adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.

The surgery, which lasted about three hours, involved the removal of the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung and was conducted by a team led by renowned Italian professor Stefano Margaritora.

The medical team said the procedure went smoothly and without complications, adding that the Pope returned to his room after the operation.

However, no details have been provided on whether he would require additional treatment.

Leo had announced the planned surgery to thousands of faithful at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, saying the nodule had been detected at a “very early stage” and was “well localised”.

“The doctors consider an operation appropriate,” he said, explaining that he had decided to follow their advice and have the nodule removed.

The Pope’s hospitalisation has prompted the cancellation of all his audiences until the middle of next week.

He will also miss the closing service of an international bishops’ meeting on marriage and the family, scheduled for Wednesday at St Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo admitted to hospital for lung surgery

Attention has also turned to his planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November, although the Vatican has not announced any changes to the almost two-week trip.

The visit is expected to include Cusco, Peru, which lies about 3,400 metres above sea level, where the high altitude can cause breathing difficulties and altitude sickness.

Leo spent several years as a missionary and bishop in Peru and previously served as the worldwide head of the Augustinian order. He also holds Peruvian citizenship.

Before the discovery of the lung nodule, no major health problems had been publicly reported concerning the Pope, who was elected leader of the Catholic Church in May 2025.

He maintains an active lifestyle through tennis, swimming, and regular exercise.

The Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, located on the outskirts of Rome, has a dedicated wing for popes on its 10th floor. Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, also received treatment there before his death at the age of 88.

The Vatican has traditionally maintained a high degree of discretion regarding the health of popes, making Leo’s decision to disclose his planned surgery publicly a notable departure from the usual practice.