Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis confirmed, surgery successful

Pope Leo XIV's lower right lung lobe was removed at Gemelli Hospital using a video-assisted radical surgical technique; the Vatican's written statement announced that the lung adenocarcinoma suspected before surgery was confirmed through histological examination.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Pope awoke normally following the approximately 90-minute procedure; after a brief observation period, he returned to his room on the 10th floor of the hospital. The operating theatre procedure took a total of 3 hours.

Pope Leo XIV had personally informed the public on Sunday, October 11, during his traditional blessing from the window overlooking Saint Peter's Square that a nodule had been detected in his lung — it was the first time in history that a pope had announced an upcoming surgery in this manner. The Vatican had previously announced that all engagements would be canceled until October 20 to allow for his recovery.