Pope Leo Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery

· Health

The Vatican said late Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, diagnosed after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in a 90-minute operation at Rome's Gemelli hospital. Tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, and a Vatican source said further tests were under way to determine whether the cancer had spread. The 71-year-old pontiff woke up normally after the procedure and will remain in hospital for several days to recover. The Vatican described the surgery as successful, on schedule and as planned, with no complications.

Why it matters：The health of the head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics affects the governance of the Holy See and global diplomacy at a time of multiple wars.

Key points

  • The operation removed the lower lobe of the pope's right lung and took about 90 minutes.
  • Doctors confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
  • The pope will stay at Gemelli hospital for several days.

Sources (original reporting)

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