POPE LEO: Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

October 14, 2026

Jimbo,

Pope Leo Arrives At Gemelli Hospital Ahead Of A Surgery To Remove A Lung Nodule, In Rome — Pope Leo arrives at Gemelli Hospital ahead of the pontiff's surgery to remove a lung nodule, in Rome, Italy, October 13, 2026. Vatican Media/Simone Risoluti/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery Tuesday to remove part of his right lung, according to the Vatican.

News of the cancer diagnosis came after a spokesperson initially reported that his surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome was a success and the 71-year-old pontiff was recovering in his hospital room.

The surgery was performed after doctors found a small lung nodule during routine checks. Pope Leo publicly revealed the issue just days ago and opted for immediate surgery so it wouldn’t interfere with an upcoming trip to South America. The Vatican has canceled his public appearances through October 20th, and doctors expect him to remain hospitalized for at least a week. Pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square expressed concern but said they were praying for the pope’s recovery. (NBC News)