Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer, undergoes successful surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent successful surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung, according to a medical bulletin from the Vatican. The 71-year-old Pope had a 90-minute surgery on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican stated, "The operation was successful and there were no complications." Following the surgery, the Pope awoke normally and returned to his room after a brief observation period. The nodule was first detected during routine checks, and the Pope is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week. Large crowds gathered outside the hospital to greet the Pope, offering well wishes as he passed by in a car. The Vatican's statement noted that the entire lower lobe of the Pope's right lung was removed to ensure a radical procedure. Further tests are being conducted to determine if the cancer has spread. Pope Leo XIV announced the news of his operation during his weekly Sunday prayers in St. Peter's Square, stating that the growth was "contained" and found at an early stage, following doctors' advice for removal. The thoracic surgery team at Gemelli Hospital operated on the Pope, whose schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow for recovery. While nodules are common and not always cancerous, the medical team confirmed it was pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected by pre-operative tests. The Vatican emphasized that the Pope, generally considered fit, showed no symptoms of infection or illness. Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo reported that he met with the Pope on Monday and noted that the pontiff felt physically well. The Pope opted for surgery promptly due to an upcoming trip to Latin America in early November, which includes a visit to Peru, where he served as a missionary and Bishop. The news of the diagnosis has caused concern among Catholics worldwide, with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin describing it as a "bolt from the blue" but expressing confidence in the Pope's recovery. Outside the hospital, some Catholics lingered, expressing their support and prayers for the Pope's health.