Pope Leo XIV spends calm night after cancer surgery, Vatican says

Pope Leo XIV has spent a calm first night in hospital after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in an operation that confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer, the Vatican has said.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the approximately 90-minute procedure at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, with doctors reporting no complications. The Vatican said on Wednesday that the Pope’s night had passed calmly and promised a further update on his condition later in the day.

The operation marks a significant development in the health of the head of the Catholic Church, who became the first American pope when he was elected in May 2025.

According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, tissue examined during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that develops in glandular cells.

Doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique. The medical team said the procedure was successful and that Leo woke up normally afterwards.

Although the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes, the Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating theatre. He was subsequently taken back to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor after a brief period of observation.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pontiff asked for dinner after the procedure and spent the evening with his secretaries and other Vatican officials.

Additional examinations of the removed tissue are expected in the coming days as doctors assess the findings following surgery. The Vatican has not announced any change to the previously stated plan for Leo to remain in hospital for about a week.

The development follows the Pope’s announcement on Sunday that doctors had discovered a small lung nodule during medical checks and recommended surgery.

His public engagements have been cancelled through October 20 to allow him to recover. The hospital stay has also raised questions about whether he will be able to maintain his planned schedule of activities in the coming weeks.

Further medical information is expected as the pontiff remains under observation at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.