Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after successful surgery
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.
Pope Leo XIV had surgery that confirmed he has lung cancer and removed part of his lung. Doctors discovered a small, localised nodule that the Pope revealed during Sunday prayer and announced he would have removed.
The 71-year-old was in surgery for about 90 minutes, with three hours total in the operating room at Rome's Gemelli hospital. The Vatican said the surgery was successful with no complications.
Oncologists said his prognosis is excellent since the cancer was caught and removed at an early stage. All papal audiences have been cancelled through October 20 while he recovers.
- 71 years old
- Pope's age
- Lung adenocarcinoma
- Cancer type
- 17 months
- Papacy length
Why it mattersThe Pope leads 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, so any major health issue affects the Church's operations and his ability to carry out his duties.
AustraliaAustralia has a significant Catholic population whose institutions and spiritual leadership depend on the Pope's health and presence.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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