Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove a growth from his right lung, the Vatican confir med on Tuesday.The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a successful operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung. According to a Vatican medical bulletin, tests conducted during the operation confirmed that the growth was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. The condition had been suspected following earlier medical examinations. The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications, the Vatican said. Pope Leo regained consciousness normally after the procedure and was transferred to his hospital room to begin recovery. Doctors used a video-assisted surgical technique to remove the affected portion of the lung. The procedure was intended to remove the tumour completely. Further medical assessments will help determine whether the cancer has spread and whether additional treatment will be required. Pulmonary adenocarcinoma develops in glandular cells in the lungs and is the most common subtype of lung cancer. It can occur in smokers and non-smokers alike. The outlook depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, whether it has spread and how completely the tumour has been removed. The Vatican had previously announced that doctors discovered a small, localised lung nodule during routine medical examinations. Pope Leo had agreed to undergo surgery following medical advice and had asked Catholics around the world to pray for him. The pontiff is expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week while recovering. The Vatican has not announced whether he will require chemotherapy, radiation or other treatment. Doctors are expected to assess his condition further before making decisions about any additional care. The diagnosis comes as Pope Leo continues his papacy, which began in May 2025 following his election as leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Before the operation, he had maintained an active schedule of religious services, public audiences and meetings with church and political leaders. His immediate public engagements have been cancelled during the recovery period. His planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru could depend on his progress, although no final decision about the trip has been announced. The Vatican said the operation was successful and that the Pope was recovering normally. Further updates on his condition are expected as doctors complete postoperative assessments. The announcement has drawn international attention, with Catholics and religious leaders expressing concern and offering prayers for the pontiff’s recovery. The Vatican has urged the public to rely on official medical updates as more information becomes available.