Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Successful Surgery for Lung Cancer

On Tuesday, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following successful surgery that involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. The surgery took place at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome and has since been deemed successful with no complications reported.

Details of the Procedure

According to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican, the pontiff, aged 71, spent around three hours in the operating room, with the surgical procedure itself lasting about 90 minutes. “To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique,” the statement elaborated. Intraoperative examinations confirmed the initial suspicion of lung adenocarcinoma, which had been indicated by preoperative tests.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Following the operation, Pope Leo regained consciousness normally and was moved to his room on the 10th floor of the hospital. Prior to the surgery, the pontiff walked into the hospital via the main entrance and greeted supporters who had gathered outside. The surgical team was led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at Gemelli.

Upcoming Plans and Hospital Stay

In light of the surgery, the Vatican has cancelled all of Pope Leo’s audiences until October 20, and there is currently uncertainty regarding his scheduled trip to South America next month. Notably, while Gemelli has a designated papal apartment, Pope Leo will be staying in an alternate room due to ongoing renovations in that area.

Additional Context

This news comes amidst various discussions surrounding the health of leaders and figures in high positions, showcasing the human aspect of those in the public eye.

This is a developing story, and further updates from the Vatican are expected as new information arises.