Pope Leone XIV Has Successful Lung Surgery at Gemelli Policlinic
Pope Leone XIV underwent successful thoracic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Policlinic on October 13, 2026, to remove a malignant pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Medical teams performed a lobectomy to excise the tumor, which had been identified during routine examinations. The Vatican confirmed the procedure concluded without complications, and the Pope is currently recovering.
Successful Lobectomy at Gemelli Policlinic
The surgical intervention took place on the afternoon of October 13, 2026, following Leone XIV’s arrival at the Gemelli Policlinic shortly after 1:00 p.m. According to ANSA, the operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, though Leone XIV remained in the operating suite for a total of three hours. The medical team, led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, utilized video-assisted thoracic surgery to remove the lower lobe of the right lung. This approach was chosen to ensure a radical excision of the malignant mass.
The Vatican press office stated that the procedure was performed as planned, with no intraoperative complications. Following a brief observation period, Leone XIV was transferred to his room on the tenth floor of the hospital. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni noted that Leone XIV was alert and requested dinner shortly after regaining consciousness.
MAJOR POPE LEO XIV HEALTH UPDATE: @HolySeePress has just issued the following statement with more details on the Pope's surgery, indicating that the nodule that was removed was cancerous: English Translation:The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery, as scheduled. To… pic.twitter.com/4LcJQk1U4e
Early Stage Adenocarcinoma Requires Surgical Lobe Removal
The diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma was confirmed via an extemporaneous histological examination performed during the surgery. Because the nodule was identified at an early stage and remained localized, the surgical removal of the affected lobe is the standard clinical approach for patients in this condition.
The recovery process typically requires a hospital stay of seven to ten days, followed by a period of convalescence before the patient can resume normal activities. While the successful removal of the lobe is a critical step, further molecular profiling of the tumor tissue will be necessary to determine if additional therapeutic treatments are required.
Surgical Team Treats Leone XIV Amid Travel Uncertainty
The surgical team consisted of Professor Stefano Margaritora, Elisa Meacci, Maria Teresa Congedo, and Leonardo Petracca Caravella. The anesthesia team included Professor Massimo Antonelli, Giovanni Punzo, and Giuseppe Bello.
While the Vatican has not yet specified a timeline for Leone XIV’s return to his full schedule, concerns remain regarding his ability to fulfill previously planned international commitments, specifically a scheduled trip to South America in November. Despite the medical uncertainty, Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín has urged observers to avoid dramatic interpretations of the situation, emphasizing the routine nature of the post-operative recovery phase.
Uncertainty Surrounding Upcoming Papal Travels
The timing of this diagnosis, which Leone XIV himself announced during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 11, caught many observers by surprise. Although Leone XIV is known for a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, the discovery of the nodule during post-travel routine checks necessitated immediate medical action.
While official Vatican communications have focused on the successful outcome of the surgery and the absence of complications, the necessity of further histological testing will dictate the requirements for any potential adjuvant therapy. Patients undergoing significant thoracic procedures often require specialized post-operative care, including pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory therapy, to regain full lung capacity. Individuals facing similar health crises often rely on the expertise of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncology specialists to manage long-term recovery and monitor for potential recurrence.