Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Successful Lung Surgery at Gemelli Hospital
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Holy See Press Office has confirmed.
The operation, carried out with a video-assisted thoracic technique, lasted about 90 minutes, though the Pope spent roughly three hours in the operating room. Surgeons said the procedure was successful and there were no complications.
Following the operation, Pope Leo XIV returned to his room on the 10th floor of the hospital after a brief period of observation.
The surgery followed the discovery of a small, localized nodule in the Pope's right lung during earlier tests. Doctors suspected it might be cancerous, and an intraoperative histological examination confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.
The surgical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, director of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo, and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella. The anesthesia team comprised Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr. Giovanni Punzo, and Dr. Giuseppe Bello.
Pope Leo XIV awakened normally after the operation and later asked for dinner, spending the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff, according to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office.
In the coming days, post-operation exams will be conducted on the removed tissue to determine the stage of the cancer and whether any cancer remains in his body. The preoperative tests had already shown doctors where and how to operate.
No change has been announced to the previously communicated hospital stay of about one week. The Holy See Press Office is expected to give an update on how the Pope spent the night and any exam results.
The Vatican had announced the planned surgery on October 11, breaking with the long culture of secrecy that has often shrouded the health of pontiffs. Pope Leo XIV, 69, lost both of his parents to cancer, and his older brother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, in 2017.
Christians and faithful around the world continue to pray for the Holy Father's full recovery.
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Michael AdzatoMichael is the President and CEO of ChristianLens Media Inc., a global non-denominational ministry dedicated to advancing the Gospel through digital media. With a deep commitment to leveraging internet technology, he strives to reach and inspire millions worldwide. His passion for ministry is reflected in his writing, where he delivers timely news, articles, and stories that transcend denominational boundaries, providing insightful and faith-driven content to a diverse audience.
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