Pope Leo diagnosed with cancer

Pope Leo XIV is recovering in hospital after surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung, in an operation the Vatican says was successful.

The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Tuesday. Reuters

The Holy See Press Office said the diagnosis was confirmed through an examination of the removed tissue during surgery, following earlier tests that had raised suspicions of cancer.

“The operation was successful, and there were no complications,” the Vatican said.

According to the statement, the pope spent about three hours in the operating room, while the procedure itself lasted approximately 90 minutes.

He regained consciousness normally after the operation and returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor following a brief period of observation.

The Vatican has cancelled all the pope’s planned audiences through October 20 as he recovers.

His planned visit to South America next month, including stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, remains uncertain as he recuperates from the surgery. Associated Press

The pope had disclosed on Sunday that doctors had found a localized nodule in his lung and recommended surgery to remove it.

He thanked well-wishers for their support and prayers ahead of the operation.

Further details about his recovery and whether he will require additional cancer treatment have not been fully disclosed.