Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican confirmed in a medical bulletin released after the 90-minute procedure on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
The 71-year-old pontiff was found to have lung adenocarcinoma during routine checks. "The operation was successful and there were no complications," the Vatican said. "After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room."
The Vatican stated the entire lower lobe was removed "to ensure the procedure was radical." A Vatican source told Agence France-Presse that further tests were underway to determine if the cancer had spread.
Pope Leo himself announced the surgery on Sunday from the balcony of St Peter's Square, describing the nodule as "contained" and found "at a very early stage." He said doctors had advised him to have it removed. The Vatican emphasized that the pontiff had no symptoms of infection or illness and is generally considered fit.
The Pope's schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow recovery time. He had opted for immediate surgery partly because he was scheduled to travel to Latin America in early November, a trip that includes a visit to Peru where he previously worked as a missionary and bishop for many years.
The news prompted emotional responses among Catholics worldwide. Cardinal Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, told journalists on Tuesday that the development felt like a "bolt from the blue" but said cardinals had been struck by the Pope's "serenity" and remained confident in his recovery.
Outside Gemelli Hospital, which has treated several popes, believers gathered to offer prayers and support. "He seems calm, so we are calm too, even though illness is always unpleasant," one visitor told the BBC. The Pope is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week.