Doctors Explain Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis and What Comes Next

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, prompting questions about his recovery, possible treatment and what the diagnosis means for the 71-year-old pontiff.

The Vatican confirmed on 13 October 2026 that tests identified pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in an operation that the Vatican described as successful, with no complications.

Medical specialists say the diagnosis is an important first step in understanding the Pope's condition, but further test results will help determine whether additional treatment is needed.

What type of cancer does Pope Leo have?

The Vatican identified the cancer as pulmonary adenocarcinoma. It is a form of non-small cell lung cancer that begins in glandular cells in the lung and is the most common type of lung cancer.

The disease can occur in smokers and non-smokers. The diagnosis alone does not establish how advanced it is or whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

According to the Associated Press, Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, said adenocarcinoma often has a more favourable outlook than some other lung cancer types. However, he stressed that doctors still need to establish the stage of the Pope's cancer.

Why did doctors remove part of his lung?

The surgical team removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung. The procedure was intended to remove the affected tissue and treat the cancer.

The Vatican said the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes, within an approximately three-hour period in the operating room. The Pope regained consciousness normally and returned to his hospital room.

Removing a lung lobe is an established treatment for some lung cancers, particularly when a tumour is localised and the patient is suitable for surgery. Whether surgery alone is sufficient depends on the final pathology findings and other clinical information.

What do doctors need to know next?

One of the main unanswered questions is whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. These findings, along with the size and extent of the tumour, help doctors determine the stage of a cancer and decide whether further treatment is appropriate.

The Vatican has not announced that Pope Leo will receive chemotherapy, immunotherapy or another treatment. According to AP reporting, such decisions were still pending further test results.

It would therefore be premature to declare the Pope cancer-free or predict his long-term prognosis based only on the successful operation.

How is Pope Leo recovering?

The Vatican reported that the surgery went well and that there were no complications. His public engagements were cancelled through 20 October, and officials had expected him to remain in hospital for about a week.

His immediate priority is recovery from surgery. The Vatican has not confirmed whether the diagnosis will affect his planned November trip to South America, so any changes to that itinerary should be based on an official update.

What does this mean for the Catholic Church?

The news has drawn attention from Catholics and people around the world. The Vatican continues to operate while the Pope recovers, and the current announcement does not indicate any change in his position as head of the Catholic Church.

For now, the focus remains on his health, the results of additional medical tests and the recovery period following surgery.

The bottom line: Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis is confirmed, and doctors have successfully removed the lower lobe of his right lung. His stage, whether the cancer has spread and whether further treatment will be needed remain important unanswered questions.

Sources: Associated Press: Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer | Reuters: Pope Leo diagnosed with cancer after surgery | Vatican News: Official update on his surgery