Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 13, following the detection of a localized lung nodule, according to a medical statement released by the Holy See Press Office.
The surgery was performed as planned by a team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery. The procedure used a video-assisted technique, which allows surgeons to operate with the aid of a camera.
The medical statement, signed by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Margaritora, said an examination of the removed tissue during the operation confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the tests conducted before surgery.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the glandular cells of the lung.
The Holy See Press Office reported that the Holy Father spent approximately three hours in the operating room, with the surgery itself lasting about 90 minutes. The operation was successful, with no complications reported.
Following a brief period of observation, Pope Leo awoke normally and returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor, according to the statement.
Professor Margaritora led the surgical team, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella.
The anesthesia team comprised Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr. Giovanni Punzo and Dr. Giuseppe Bello.
Further examinations will be conducted on the removed tissue in the coming days. The preoperative tests had already provided the medical team with information about the location of the affected area and how to proceed with the operation.
No change has been announced to the previously stated plan for the Holy Father to remain hospitalized for approximately one week.
Following the operation, Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said the Pope asked for dinner and spent the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican staff.
Vatican News reported the successful surgery and the Holy Father’s return to his hospital room following the procedure.
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