Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Following Surgery, Vatican Confirms

Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery. Vatican confirms diagnosis and details of procedure.

October 14, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Vatican City, Italy — Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following a recent surgical procedure, according to official statements from the Vatican.

The medical bulletin released by the Vatican confirmed that the pontiff underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The operation was conducted after preoperative tests indicated a suspected case of lung adenocarcinoma, which was later verified during the procedure.

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The 71-year-old leader spent approximately three hours in the operating room, with the actual surgery lasting around 90 minutes. The Vatican reported that the procedure was successful and no complications were encountered.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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