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Pope Leo XIV underwent a procedure at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to remove a small nodule on his lung Tuesday, the Vatican said.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent thoracic surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors confirmed he had lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, according to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office.
The diagnosis was confirmed through a tissue examination conducted during the operation, consistent with findings from preoperative tests, the Vatican said.
The pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, although the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes.
Doctors said the procedure was successful and there were no complications.
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Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by Health Director Andrea Cambieri as he arrives at the Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung in Rome on Tuesday. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)
Leo awoke normally following surgery and, after a brief observation period, returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor, according to the statement from Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora.
“Doctors found a small lump in the lung,” Leo said after an Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square on Monday. “It was identified at a very early stage and well situated.”
“The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene and so, following their advice, I decided to have surgery to remove it,” he continued. “The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and I rely on your prayer.”
The Vatican’s latest statement confirmed that the surgery involved the removal of the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung using a video-assisted technique.
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Pope Leo XIV steps out as the first American pope in history at the Vatican on May 8, 2025. (Vatican Media)
The announcement comes as a surprise for the American-born pontiff, who has no previously known health problems and is known for maintaining an active lifestyle.
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Leo regularly plays tennis and swims at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, according to The Associated Press.
The pope is also scheduled to embark on a major international trip from Nov. 6–17, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It remains unclear whether his surgery and recovery will affect those travel plans.
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Pope Leo XIV delivers the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday. (Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo)
In addition to addressing his health, Leo used his Sunday remarks to renew his appeal for peace in war-torn Ukraine, warning that the conflict continues to inflict suffering far beyond the country’s borders.
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“The war in the martyred Ukraine continues to create suffering, even beyond its borders, especially in the poorest countries, where many people depend on the exports of cereals and grains,” the pope said.
Fox News’ Courtney Walsh and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.