Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma on Tuesday after undergoing surgery to remove a nodular lesion from his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a successful procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, according to a Vatican statement. The diagnosis was confirmed during the operation, which lasted 90 minutes within a three-hour operating room stay.
"To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. Intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected from pre-operative tests." Vatican Statement
The Vatican reported that Pope Leo “regained consciousness normally” and experienced “no complications” from the surgery. He is currently recovering on the 10th floor of the hospital, in a room adjacent to the papal apartment, which is presently undergoing renovations. Earlier on Tuesday, the Pope entered the hospital through its main entrance, waving to well-wishers who had gathered to greet him.
The path to Tuesday’s operation began on Sunday when the Vatican first announced that doctors had identified a nodular lesion in his lung. During his Sunday noon blessing, Pope Leo spoke publicly about the impending procedure, telling the faithful, “The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it. Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers.”
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon, led the medical team. The Vatican statement detailed the procedure: “To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. Intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected from pre-operative tests.”
Despite the successful surgery, several crucial questions remain unanswered. The Vatican has not disclosed the stage of the cancer, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, or what further treatment, if any, Pope Leo may require. Candida Moss, the Edward Cadbury professor of theology at the University of Birmingham in England, noted to CBS News that the Vatican typically maintains discretion regarding such health matters. “The Vatican tends to keep these things under wraps, so there’ll be a lot of reading between the lines to try and detect what is the state of the pope’s health,” Moss stated.
Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, has maintained a rigorous schedule since assuming the papacy a year and a half ago. Known for his active lifestyle, he reportedly enjoys swimming and playing tennis.
According to the American Thoracic Society, lung nodules typically measure under half an inch and are often detected via CT scans. Fewer than 5% of these nodules prove to be cancerous, and those that do are usually indicative of early-stage lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent form of lung cancer in the United States, accounting for approximately 40% of diagnoses, as per the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. This type of cancer develops in glandular cells along the outer lung and tends to spread more slowly than other forms, often leading to earlier detection. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and upper back and chest pain. Treatment options generally include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation.
The Pope’s demanding calendar will experience disruptions. The Vatican announced on Monday the cancellation of all his audiences through October 20. His planned trip to South America on November 6 is now uncertain, as patients typically avoid air travel for approximately three weeks following such a surgical procedure. Professor Moss indicated that Vatican protocol allows cardinals and aides to manage many of the Pope’s duties as necessary. However, she also expressed an expectation of the Pope’s continued engagement: “We should also expect that, inasmuch as is possible, Pope Leo is going to continue to work. We have a long tradition of popes — not just Pope Francis, but also Pope John Paul II, who had Parkinson’s for 10 years — who continued to remain as active as they could, and as active in Catholic liturgies as they could, right up until the end of their tenures.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared his support on social media, writing that he and his wife were “united in prayer” for Pope Leo. “May the Lord give him strength and the Holy Spirit guide the medical professionals taking care of the Holy Father,” Rubio’s post read.
The Pope’s family is also facing health challenges. His older brother, Louis Prevost, who resides in Florida, is battling multiple myeloma, a blood cancer affecting plasma cells. Deborah Prevost, Louis’s wife, told CBS News that Louis was first diagnosed in 2017. Following treatment in 2019, which included stem cell therapy and a clinical trial, the disease was kept at a “very low level.” However, he “fell out of remission” three months ago and is currently participating in another clinical trial at a local hospital. His wife did not disclose the stage of his illness. The brothers spoke by phone last week, before Louis began his trial, with Pope Leo sharing news of his own health situation. “He [Pope Leo] called to let us know what would be happening,” Deborah Prevost said. “We keep praying, keeping spirits up for both of them.”
