Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a growth from his right lung, which was confirmed to be lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, according to the Vatican. The 71-year-old pontiff’s operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. The procedure, led by chief thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora and a team of specialists, lasted about 90 minutes, although the Pope remained in the operating room for approximately three hours. Vatican officials reported that the surgery was successful and without complications.

The discovery of the lung nodule was announced by Pope Leo on Sunday during his Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, when he described the growth as “small, localized” and detected at an “early stage” following routine medical examinations. While he did not explicitly mention cancer at the time, healthcare experts said the terminology used suggested suspicion of malignancy. Subsequent intraoperative analysis confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma.

Medical authorities emphasized that early detection of such nodules generally carries a favorable prognosis. Pulmonologists noted that pulmonary nodules are frequently benign, and even when malignant, early-stage lung adenocarcinoma often can be treated successfully with surgery alone, sometimes without the need for further chemotherapy or radiation. Additional tests, including examinations of lymph nodes removed during surgery, are underway to determine whether the cancer has spread and to inform the necessity of further treatment.

Pope Leo has a reputation as an active and physically fit individual, regularly engaging in tennis and swimming, and maintaining a busy schedule prior to his hospitalization. Vatican officials noted that his publicly available appointments have been suspended until October 20 to facilitate recovery. Plans for a South American trip scheduled for early November, covering Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, have not been officially altered, though oncologists generally advise patients to avoid air travel for several weeks following thoracic surgery.

The Pope’s health episode has drawn attention within both the Catholic community and the broader public, with figures such as Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin describing the diagnosis as unexpected but relieved that it was identified promptly. Fellow Church leaders, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who will preside over upcoming events in the Pope’s absence, and Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, who met with Pope Leo prior to surgery, have expressed support.

Pope Leo’s family history includes cancer diagnoses, with his mother having died of cancer and other relatives affected by various forms of the disease, but the Vatican has not disclosed whether the Pope himself was ever a smoker. Following surgery, the Pope regained consciousness normally and was reported to be in good spirits, even requesting a meal shortly after returning to his hospital room. Observers and hospital visitors expressed confidence in the care he is receiving and hopeful for his recovery.