Pope Leo underwent lung surgery in Rome on Tuesday, and the Vatican later confirmed that doctors diagnosed him with lung cancer during the procedure. According to Town & Country, the operation was successful and no complications were reported. The update came after several hours of concern around the pontiff’s condition. The Vatican said the cancer was identified as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small cell lung cancer. Doctors are said to have caught it early, a key detail as Pope Leo begins his recovery in the hospital.
Vatican Confirms Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis
In its medical update, the Holy See Press Office gave a detailed account of what happened in the operating room. “The intraoperative frozen-section examination [rapid diagnostic] confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma [a type of non-small cell lung cancer], as suspected from the preoperative tests,” the Holy See Press Office said according to Town & Country. The statement added that Pope Leo was in the operating room for about three hours, while the operation itself lasted around 90 minutes. Vatican officials also said the surgery was completed successfully and that there were no complications.
Pope Leo Returns to His Room After Surgery
The Vatican said Pope Leo recovered normally immediately after the procedure. “Following the operation, the pope awoke normally and, after a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the 10th floor,” the Holy See Press Office said. That detail offered a measure of reassurance as the Vatican outlined the next stage of his care. Rome’s Policlinico A. Gemelli hospital traditionally keeps a papal suite on the 10th floor, but that space is under renovation. Pope Leo is instead staying in a nearby suite while he recuperates.
Early Detection May Help Pope Leo’s Prognosis
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is one of the most common forms of lung cancer. It is frequently associated with smokers, but it is also the most common type of lung cancer in nonsmokers. As reported by Town & Country, Pope Leo is expected to have a good prognosis because the disease was detected early. That timing could make a major difference in treatment and recovery. Medical experts often note that localized adenocarcinoma can respond better to treatment than other forms of lung cancer, especially when doctors identify it before it spreads.
Public Events Canceled Through October 20
For now, Pope Leo’s schedule has been cleared as he remains under medical supervision in Rome. The Vatican expects him to stay in the hospital for about a week while doctors monitor his recovery. All public events have been canceled through October 20, signaling that rest and treatment are the immediate priorities. The update gives a clearer picture of the days ahead: a short hospital stay, close observation, and a pause in public appearances while the pope focuses on healing after surgery and the start of care for the newly diagnosed illness.
