Pope Leo XIV recovering from lung surgery, Vatican says
- Pope Leo XIV is walking and eating regularly while recovering from surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to the Vatican.
- Blood tests and a chest X-ray administered after the procedure confirmed a normal postoperative course, with all values falling within the normal range for that type of surgery.
- An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
Pope Leo XIV is walking and eating regularly while recovering from surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to the Vatican. The Vatican stated that the pontiff’s recovery is proceeding as expected following the Tuesday operation at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome.
Blood tests and a chest X-ray administered after the procedure confirmed a normal postoperative course, with all values falling within the normal range for that type of surgery. Dr. Luigi Carbone and professor Stefano Margaritora performed the minimally invasive, camera-guided operation, which lasted approximately 90 minutes as part of a three-hour total time in the operating room.
Surgery Confirmation and Hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital
An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican press office reported that the pope spent a peaceful night in the hospital following the procedure, receiving respiratory physical therapy alongside his regular diet.
Pope Leo XIV has said his doctors have found “a localized nodule” in his lung and will operate in a few days.Speaking at the Angelus on Sunday, he said the nodule was “detected at a very early stage and is well localized.” The Pope added that his doctors recommend surgery and…
The 67-year-old pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost and a Chicago native, was elected as the church’s 267th pope in May 2025. He is recovering at Gemelli Hospital, the largest medical facility in Rome and the primary hospital historically utilized by popes, including his immediate predecessor Pope Francis, who died in 2025 at the age of 88.
Global Reactions and Prayers for the Pontiff
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago addressed the diagnosis in a public statement, acknowledging that the news was not what supporters had hoped for while expressing confidence in the medical team.
I ask that the people of good will everywhere, but particularly here, in Pope Leo’s hometown join me in asking the Lord to return this son of Chicago to wellness. He has much more good work to do, many more wise words to preach and many more ways to inspire others.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich
Cupich added that he and his archdiocese were heartened by the skill and optimism of the physicians, alongside the countless prayers offered around the world for a complete recovery.