The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo underwent a successful surgery this past Tuesday to remove a section of his right lung after a routine checkup revealed the presence of a growth. Medical experts confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff is suffering from lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of the disease. According to his lead surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the 90-minute procedure—which involved the removal of the lung's lower lobe—was completed without complications. While the surgery aimed to remove all cancerous tissue, specialists note that the long-term prognosis will depend on the final pathology report regarding the size of the tumor and potential lymph node involvement.

Currently, the Pope is recuperating at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is expected to remain for approximately one week. In the wake of the operation, all of his public engagements have been suspended through October 20, casting uncertainty over his upcoming 11-day diplomatic tour of South America scheduled for November. Known for his active lifestyle and lack of smoking history, Pope Leo—who was elected in May 2025—previously faced a life-threatening bout of typhoid fever while serving as a missionary in Peru during the 1980s. As he recovers, the Vatican’s bureaucracy continues to operate, though major decisions requiring his direct authority remain on hold.