Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery; leaders and Catholics offer prayers

Rome, Italy. World leaders, Catholics worldwide and senior Vatican cardinals prayed for Pope Leo on Wednesday following doctors’ announcement that the 71-year-old pontiff had lung cancer and had undergone surgery to remove a lung lobe. The Vatican reported that he had rested peacefully overnight in hospital and said another update would follow later on Wednesday.

Diagnosis following surgery

Doctors diagnosed Leo with lung adenocarcinoma on Tuesday after surgically removing his right lung’s lower lobe. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer.

The pontiff was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome after a routine medical examination recently revealed a growth.

In a joint statement issued late Tuesday, lead surgeon Stefano Margaritora and the pope’s personal physician, Luigi Carbone, said the procedure took approximately 90 minutes and concluded without complications. They said they had removed the whole lobe with the aim of eliminating all cancerous tissue.

The right lung contains three lobes, while the left has two. The Vatican has provided neither the tumour’s dimensions nor information on whether cancer had reached neighbouring lymph nodes, both important considerations when assessing prognosis.

Prayers for recovery

At an outdoor Mass held Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square, a prayer was offered for Leo’s convalescence and full recovery following the operation.

The diagnosis prompted shock because the pope, elected in May 2025, is regarded as relatively young and energetic.

Health and activities

Leo is comparatively young for a leader of the Church and enjoys sporting activities, including tennis. He is not known to smoke or to have experienced recent health problems.