Vatican says Pope Leo XIV's lung surgery was successful after cancerous nodule removed at Rome hospital

The Vatican said Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove a nodule from his right lung.

The operation confirmed that the 71-year-old pope had lung adenocarcinoma, and surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican said the procedure lasted about 90 minutes and was completed without complications.

The nodule had been detected at an early stage during recent medical examinations. Pope Leo said Sunday that it was localized and that doctors had recommended surgery.

The Vatican said the removal was considered radical, indicating that the cancerous tissue had been fully excised, and no additional treatment is currently planned.

Pope Leo is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week. His public engagements have been canceled through October 20 while he recovers.