Pope Leo XIV underwent thoracic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The operation, which was completed successfully within the expected timeframe and according to the planned procedures, involved the removal of the lower lobe of the right lung using a video-assisted technique. The Vatican Press Office announced the news, stating that an intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis suspected during preoperative tests.
The Pope remained in the operating room for approximately three hours, while the operation itself lasted around 90 minutes. According to the Vatican, there were no complications. After the procedure, Leo XIV woke up normally and returned to his room on the hospital’s tenth floor following a brief period of observation.
The surgical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, assisted by other specialists. Before the operation, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin had expressed confidence that the problem could be resolved quickly, calling on the faithful to accompany the Pope with their prayers.
