Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgery
Pope Leo XIV spent a calm night in the hospital after successful surgery that saw part of his right lung removed and a confirmed cancer diagnosis, reports BritPanorama.
The Vatican confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer accounting for 80% of cases, as noted by the American Lung Association.
The 90-minute operation to remove a malignant lung nodule was completed “successfully, on schedule and as planned,” the Vatican stated on Tuesday. However, the Pope was in the operating theatre for nearly three hours.
Details regarding potential further treatment and whether the cancer has metastasized remain unclear. The initial lump was discovered during a routine check, a rare health disclosure from the pope, who revealed the issue during his Sunday noon prayer.
As he entered Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Tuesday, Leo waved to the crowds. The surgery was conducted by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at the hospital, while medical staff recited the rosary in the chapel as the operation commenced.
According to the Vatican, the procedure involved the removal of the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung using a video-assisted technique. Following the surgery, the pontiff “woke up normally and, after a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the tenth floor,” which is adjacent to the usual papal apartment, currently undergoing renovations.
It is noteworthy that the cancer affects both smokers and non-smokers, and Leo is not known to have ever smoked. This diagnosis could complicate the pope’s already busy itinerary.
Just weeks prior, he had addressed hundreds of thousands during an outdoor mass in Paris, where he warned of the risks posed by artificial intelligence. Plans for a historic two-week visit to South America next month are now under question.
Messages of support have poured in following the news of his surgery. “We thank God that the surgery on Pope Leo was, by all accounts, successful, and that he continues his recovery and recuperation,” stated Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York City.
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, expressed his thoughts as well, stating he and his wife were praying for the pope, born in Chicago. “May the Lord give him strength and the Holy Spirit guide the medical professionals taking care of the Holy Father,” he shared on X.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, largely ceremonial in his role, also wished for Leo’s quick and full recovery, highlighting the pope’s importance in addressing global issues across denominational lines.
“The pope’s voice on the current issues and challenges of our time is of particular importance and of value to many people worldwide, including in Germany,” Steinmeier remarked.
