Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Was Found by Chance During Surgery
An unexpected discovery
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation, told Vatican News that the cancer was found by chance. The tumor was located at the base of the pope’s right lung.
Margaritora said the tumor might not have been detected had it been slightly higher. Pope Leo XIV had no respiratory symptoms and felt well, the surgeon said.
Surgery and diagnosis
The 71-year-old pontiff announced the news after his Sunday noon blessing in St. Peter’s Square last week. Margaritora said the pope posed no difficulty for the team caring for him.
Activity during recovery
On the second day after surgery, medical staff found the pope arranging chairs in the hospital’s makeshift chapel. When staff offered to move them, Pope Leo replied, “I can do it, so I will,” according to Margaritora. The pope also met separately with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome.
Planned November travel
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to travel from Nov. 6 to Nov. 17. His destinations are Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Key points
- Doctors discovered Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer by chance at the base of his right lung.
- The pope had no respiratory symptoms and felt well before surgery.
- The operation had no complications, and doctors diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma during the procedure.
- The pope is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to Nov. 17.