Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after successful surgery

International

POPE Leo XIV has lung cancer, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday, following successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung as doctors investigate whether the disease has spread.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican reported no complications, saying Leo awoke normally and returned to his room after a brief observation period.

The lung growth was discovered during what the Vatican described as “routine checks”. Subsequent examinations confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, as doctors had suspected before the operation.

The medical bulletin said the entire lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung was removed to ensure the procedure was comprehensive.

A Vatican source told Agence France-Presse that further tests were underway to determine whether the cancer had spread.

Leo is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, with his schedule cleared until October 20 to allow for recovery. He announced the planned operation on Sunday after delivering the traditional Angelus blessing from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square, saying the nodule had been detected at an early stage but doctors recommended its removal.

The Vatican said the pontiff, who is generally considered to be in good health, had shown no symptoms of infection or illness.

Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo said on social media that he had met Leo on Monday and that the Pope had felt physically well. He added that Leo wanted to undergo surgery promptly ahead of a planned Latin American trip in early November, including a visit to Peru, where he served for years as a missionary and bishop.

The diagnosis has unsettled Catholics and senior Church officials.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin told journalists that the news had come as an unexpected shock, although the cardinals were impressed by the Pope’s composure and remained confident in his recovery.

According to a BBC report, crowds gathered outside Gemelli Hospital to show their support as Leo arrived for treatment, cheering and waving as he smiled back through his car’s lowered rear window. Hospital staff also welcomed him at the entrance, offering reassurance as he made his way inside.

Some Catholics remained outside the hospital to pray for the pontiff and express hope for his recovery. Others said the diagnosis had come as a surprise, particularly because they had viewed Leo as a relatively young and healthy choice when he was elected Pope.(MyTVCebu)