Nicolai Haugsted
Doctors have successfully operated on Pope Leo XIV after discovering a cancerous growth in his right lung.
Pope Leo XIV has spent much of his papacy maintaining a demanding schedule of religious ceremonies, diplomatic meetings and international engagements.
Since becoming the first American pontiff in May 2025, the Chicago-born religious leader has been preparing for another significant milestone: his first apostolic journey to South America.
The ambitious trip is scheduled to begin in early November, with visits to three countries and numerous public appearances over 11 days.
However, an unexpected medical development has raised questions about whether the pope will be able to complete the demanding itinerary as planned.
According a Vatican medical bulletin cited by RadarOnline, Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Doctors confirm cancer diagnosis during surgery
The Vatican’s reported medical update, issued Tuesday, October 13, states that doctors discovered pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, during the procedure.
Medical examinations conducted before the operation had already raised suspicions about a suspicious growth in the pontiff’s right lung.
Surgeons subsequently removed the lower lobe of his right lung during a 90-minute operation.
“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican stated, according to the report.
The medical bulletin also provided details about the procedure.
“To ensure a radical resection, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. Intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected from pre-operative tests.”
According to the statement, Leo regained consciousness normally following surgery.
The report does not establish whether he will require further treatment.
Pope had already addressed health concerns
The diagnosis followed an announcement the pontiff reportedly made during his Sunday Angelus prayer on October 11.
Speaking to Catholics gathered for the service, Leo explained that doctors had discovered a nodule and recommended surgery.
He described the abnormality as having been “detected at a very early stage and is well localized.”
The pope also thanked supporters for their concern.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.
According to the report, Leo walked into Gemelli Hospital himself and acknowledged people gathered outside.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni had previously indicated that the expected recovery period would be approximately one week.
The Vatican has canceled the pope’s scheduled audiences through October 20.
Major South American journey now in question
Attention is turning to a demanding international visit scheduled to begin on November 6.
The pope is expected to travel first to Montevideo, Uruguay, before continuing to Argentina and Peru.
His itinerary includes ten public Masses across three countries, meetings with political and religious leaders, and visits to a prison and a care facility for older people.
The journey is scheduled to conclude on November 17.
Travel arrangements are particularly demanding, with the itinerary reportedly involving 14 flights and more than 19,000 miles of air travel.
One of the busiest days is scheduled for November 15, when Leo is expected to visit Cusco and Pucallpa in Peru during a program lasting more than 12 hours.
Such an extensive schedule would be physically demanding even without recent lung surgery.
However, the Vatican has not announced any changes to the trip, and the report does not indicate that doctors have advised the pope against traveling.
The planned journey carries personal significance for Leo, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost.
Before becoming pope, he spent years working in Latin America and developed close ties to the region.
His responsibilities within the Augustinian order also brought him into contact with Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who later became Pope Francis.
Following Francis’s death in April 2025, Prevost was elected to lead the Catholic Church, becoming the first pope from the United States.
The upcoming visit would therefore represent more than a routine international engagement.
