Pope Leo XIV undergoes lung cancer surgery at Gemelli Hospital

AI-generated briefing · First published 2026-10-13 21:40:51 UTC

The 71-year-old pope had part of his right lung removed after a cancerous nodule was found early; recovery expected to take one week.

Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung; the lower lobe was removed and the procedure lasted about seven hours, the Vatican said. [3] [4] [5]

The pope announced the operation on Sunday after the nodule was detected at an early stage during a routine check-up; he is expected to remain in hospital for about a week and has cancelled audiences until October 20. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support, and the Vatican said the pope still plans to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6-17. [3] [4]

Sources

1. 🔴Pope Leo says will undergo surgery for early-stage lung nodule

   France 24 English · 2026-10-11 10:35:34 UTC · Full text

2. Pope Leo to have surgery after lump found on lung

   BBC World · 2026-10-11 11:55:49 UTC · Full text

3. Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule

   Al Jazeera · 2026-10-11 14:59:38 UTC · Full text

4. Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule in Rome

   Al Jazeera · 2026-10-12 19:06:44 UTC · Full text

5. Vatican confirms Pope Leo underwent surgery for lung cancer

   DW English · 2026-10-13 19:50:00 UTC · Full text

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