Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Cancer as Doctors Remove Part of His Lung

Pope Leo XIV delivers the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on Oct. 11, 2026. Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo

Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove a section of his lung on Oct. 13, the Vatican announced.

Surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung during the 90-minute procedure and examined it during the operation.

Doctors diagnosed him with “lung adenocarcinoma,” a common type of non-small cell lung cancer.

The doctors suspected the cancer from tests done before the surgery, Vatican officials said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.