Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo, 71, diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and had part of his right lung removed.
- World leaders and Catholics across the globe offered prayers for the pontiff's recovery.
- Pope Leo is expected to remain in hospital for about a week and all public engagements have been cancelled.
Pope Leo, 71, has undergone surgery to remove part of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The operation, which lasted about 90 minutes, was completed without complications, according to the lead surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, and the personal physician, Luigi Carbone.
The diagnosis came as a shock to many, given Pope Leo's relatively young age and active lifestyle. He enjoys sports, including tennis, and is not known to be a smoker or to have had recent health issues. The pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital after doctors discovered a growth during a routine health check.
Following the surgery, Pope Leo spent a peaceful night in hospital, the Vatican said. Further information about his condition would be released later on Wednesday. The Vatican has not disclosed the size of the tumour or whether the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes, key factors in determining prognosis.
The operation was the closing act of an assembly of bishops called by Pope Leo to discuss the Church’s family life teachings, the largest gathering of Church leaders so far during this papacy. Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle led the Mass in place of Leo, who was diagnosed on Tuesday.
World leaders and Catholics across the globe offered prayers for the pontiff's recovery. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and his wife Jeanette were praying for the pope, an American who was born in Chicago. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent her best wishes, adding that Pope Leo's serenity and strength are an inspiration.
Pope Leo is expected to remain in hospital for about a week and all his public engagements have been cancelled until October 20, 2026. The Mass on Wednesday was the closing act of an assembly of bishops called by Leo to discuss the Church’s family life teachings, the largest gathering of Church leaders so far during this papacy.
The Vatican said earlier this week that the pope was expected to remain in hospital for about a week and that all his public engagements had been cancelled until October 20, 2026. The Mass on Wednesday was the closing act of an assembly of bishops called by Leo to discuss the Church’s family life teachings, the largest gathering of Church leaders so far during this papacy.
