Pope diagnosed with lung cancer but had successful surgery, Vatican says

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced.

The 71-year-old pontiff had a 90-minute operation Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Surgeons removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. "The operation was successful and there were no complications," the Vatican said in a medical bulletin. "After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room."

The Pope himself announced the planned surgery on Sunday from the balcony of St Peter's Square, saying the nodule on his lung was "contained" and had been found "at a very early stage." He said his doctors had advised removal. The Vatican statement said the entire lower lobe was taken out "to ensure the procedure was radical." Further tests are underway to determine if the cancer spread.

The Vatican noted the Pope has had no symptoms of infection or illness. The nodule was initially detected during routine medical checks. Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo said he met with Pope Leo on Monday and the pontiff reported feeling "nothing wrong" physically. The Pope decided to undergo surgery promptly because he plans to travel to Latin America in early November, including a significant visit to Peru where he previously served as a missionary and bishop.

The Pope's schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow recovery time. The Vatican expects him to remain hospitalized for about a week. Thoracic surgeons from Gemelli performed the operation.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin told journalists the news came as a "bolt from the blue" but said cardinals were struck by the Pope's "serenity" and expressed confidence in his recovery. Large crowds gathered outside the hospital offering well wishes as the Pope arrived, cheering as he waved from his car. Many Catholics expressed shock at the diagnosis, though some drew encouragement from the Pope's calm demeanor.