The Vatican announced on Tuesday that Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung cancer, hours after he underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Holy See Press Office stated that the operation was completed successfully, within the expected timeframe, and as planned. The Pope has returned to his hospital room following the procedure.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, was admitted to Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday afternoon for the surgery. According to the Vatican statement, the Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room, while the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes. Doctors reported that the surgery was successful and there were no complications.
The Vatican initially disclosed that the surgery had taken place before releasing details about the specific diagnosis. The office later confirmed that tests conducted beforehand had led them to suspect the presence of lung adenocarcinoma. This form of cancer is identified as the most common subtype of lung cancer. It develops when the cells lining the outside of the lungs become cancerous. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. However, patients do not always experience symptoms early on, and the condition is often detected during scans performed for unrelated medical reasons.
Doctors discovered a nodule in Pope Leo's lung during routine medical checkups. On Sunday, Pope Leo stated that the nodule was detected at a very early stage and is well localized. He expressed gratitude to his supporters for their spiritual closeness and said he was entrusting himself to their prayers.
The Pope carried out his usual duties on Monday and was greeted by supporters and patients at the hospital, according to the Vatican statement. The Holy See Press Office indicated that it would provide more information shortly after the initial announcement of the surgery's completion.