Pope Leo XIV Remains In Hospital After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV is anticipated to spend a couple of week in hospital recovering from surgical procedure to take away a cancerous nodule from his proper lung, as particulars of his additional therapy stay unsure.

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

His medical group mentioned subsequent examination confirmed that the nodule was an adenocarcinoma, a type of lung most cancers.

The surgical procedure, which lasted about three hours, concerned the removing of the decrease lobe of the Pope’s proper lung and was carried out by a group led by famend Italian professor Stefano Margaritora.

The medical group mentioned the process went easily and with out issues, including that the Pope returned to his room after the operation.

However, no particulars have been offered on whether or not he would require extra therapy.

Leo had introduced the deliberate surgical procedure to hundreds of trustworthy 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 mentioned, explaining that he had determined to observe their recommendation and have the nodule eliminated.

The Pope’s hospitalisation has prompted the cancellation of all his audiences till the center of subsequent week.

He can even miss the closing service of a global bishops’ assembly on marriage and the household, scheduled for Wednesday at St Peter’s Square.

Attention has additionally turned to his deliberate go to to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November, though the Vatican has not introduced any modifications to the virtually two week journey.

The go to is anticipated to incorporate Cusco, Peru, which lies about 3,400 metres above sea degree, the place the excessive altitude could cause respiration difficulties and altitude illness.

Leo spent a number of years as a missionary and bishop in Peru and beforehand served because the worldwide head of the Augustinian order. He additionally holds Peruvian citizenship.

Before the invention of the lung nodule, no main well being issues had been publicly reported regarding the Pope, who was elected chief of the Catholic Church in May 2025.

He maintains an lively way of life by means of tennis, swimming and common train.

The Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, positioned on the outskirts of Rome, has a devoted wing for popes on its tenth flooring. Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, additionally acquired therapy there earlier than his loss of life on the age of 88.

The Vatican has historically maintained a excessive diploma of discretion relating to the well being of popes, making Leo’s choice to reveal his deliberate surgical procedure publicly a notable departure from the same old apply.