AUBURN Ala. (EETV) – Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to the Vatican.
The 71-year-old pontiff spent about 3 hours in surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and was reported successful with no complications. Doctors confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in glandular cells, during the operation.
This diagnosis follows Leo’s announcement Sunday that doctors had discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. He said the growth was detected at an early stage and that doctors recommended surgery to remove it. The pope thanked the faithful for their prayers and support ahead of the procedure.
Leo, the first American pope, has led the Roman Catholic Church for about 17 months. His diagnosis is the first major health issue publicly disclosed during his papacy.
The Vatican has canceled Leo’s public audiences through Oct. 20 as he recovers in the hospital.
Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6-17. The Vatican has not announced whether the trip will proceed as planned following his surgery.
