Pope Leo undergoes lung surgery, adenocarcinoma confirmed; engagements cancelled till October 20

Pope Leo, the supreme spiritual leader of about 140 crore (1.4 billion) Catholic Christians worldwide, has lung cancer, the Vatican has disclosed, causing concern across the world. A tumour was found in the right lung of the 71-year-old Pope. Doctors learnt of it during a recent surgery. According to an official medical bulletin issued by the Vatican, the affected part of his right lung has been successfully removed.

Pope Leo took office only 17 months ago, in May 2025, after the death of Pope Francis.

According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the Pope underwent a planned chest surgery at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. Surgeons removed the lower part of the Pope's right lung. Tissue examined during the operation confirmed the diagnosis of "adenocarcinoma of the lung", as suspected in earlier tests. The Pope was in the operating theatre for about three hours, while the surgery itself lasted about 90 minutes. According to the doctors, the surgery was successful and there were no complications.

The statement said Pope Leo regained consciousness normally after the surgery and, after a short period under observation, returned to his room on the 10th floor of the hospital. His condition is currently out of danger and he is responding positively to treatment.

Dr Stephen Liu, head of the haematology-oncology department at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, said that if lung cancer is at an early stage and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, removing the affected part by surgery alone can be a highly effective treatment. However, he said the condition could become more serious if the final laboratory report shows the cancer has spread to other organs. The initial report issued by the Vatican press office gives no detailed technical information on the stage of the cancer or its spread. The team of doctors has nevertheless expressed satisfaction with the Pope's present condition.

After the surgery, Pope Leo needs complete rest and medical observation. The Vatican administration has therefore cancelled all his scheduled tours, special religious gatherings, diplomatic meetings and public audiences with immediate effect. Pope Leo will remain in hospital for treatment till October 20. The Vatican has appealed to the faithful across the world to pray for his speedy recovery and has promised to issue medical bulletins from time to time on his progress.

The question has arisen as to who will run affairs while the Pope is ill. Under the Vatican's centuries-old rules and within the framework of canon law, there is no provision for appointing an interim successor or acting Pope while the Pope is alive and in office. Decisions or policy agreements that need the Pope's direct signature or approval will be deferred until he has fully recovered. The day-to-day work of the Vatican will not stop, however. The daily functioning of the administrative departments (the Curia), financial matters and routine management will continue as usual.

During his 17 months in office, Pope Leo has given a message of world peace, human rights and unity within the Christian community. On learning of his illness, leaders of various faiths, not only Catholic, and heads of state around the world have sent messages of good wishes for his early recovery. The Vatican has made it clear that Pope Leo will resume his public duties only after the green signal from the medical advisory board. For now, all eyes are on the medical report due after October 20 and on his discharge from hospital.