Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery, removes part of the lung and cancer confirmed
Lung cancer of Pope Leo XIV is confirmed after surgery in Rome; doctors removed the lower lobe of the right lung
Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer was confirmed by the Vatican on Tuesday after surgery at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital. The pontiff had the lower lobe of the right lung removed during the procedure, which ended without complications.
According to a medical bulletin released by the Holy See Press Office, the histological examination performed during the operation confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as had already been raised as a possibility in the examinations made before the surgery.
Surgery lasted about 90 minutes
Leo XIV remained in the surgical room for approximately three hours, while the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes.
According to the Vatican, the doctors opted for the removal of the lower lobe of the right lung, using a video-assisted technique. The measure was adopted to ensure the adequate removal of the affected area.
The surgery was considered successful and there was no record of complications. After the procedure, the Pope awoke normally, went through an observation period and returned to the room located on the 10th floor of the Gemelli Hospital.
The team responsible for the surgery was coordinated by Professor Stefano Margaritora. The medical communiqué was also signed by Dr. Luigi Carbone.
Nodule had been discovered at an early stage
Pope Leo XIV had reported on Sunday that doctors had identified a small lump located in the lung during recent examinations.
At the time, the pontiff stated that the alteration had been detected at a fairly early stage and was located. The medical recommendation was to perform surgery to remove the nodule.
The definitive diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma was confirmed during the operation on Tuesday.
Adenocarcinoma is one of the types of lung cancer. To date, the Vatican has not released additional details on staging of the disease or any need for complementary treatments.
Pope remains at Gemelli Hospital
Leo XIV, 71, remains hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, one of the main hospital centers in Rome and traditionally used for the care of the pontiffs.
According to information released before the surgery, the Pope is expected to remain in recovery for about a week. Public commitments scheduled until October 20 have been cancelled.
The Vatican administration should continue normally during the recovery period.
New medical bulletins may bring information on the evolution of the picture and the next steps of treatment after the confirmation of Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer.
