Pope Leo XIV recovering after surgery to remove cancerous lung growth
publishers 106articles 137first reported 30 Sep, 09:01 UTCdeveloping since 30 Sep · 31 editionstop 25 #9
Pope Leo XIV is recovering in a Rome hospital after surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung, according to reports citing the Vatican.
The 71-year-old pontiff announced Sunday that doctors had discovered a localized lung nodule during a recent medical examination. He said it had been detected at an early stage, was well contained and would be removed on doctors’ advice. The Vatican had not initially said whether the growth was malignant.
The operation took place Tuesday and involved removing part of the pope’s lung. The Vatican said the procedure went as expected. In a medical update Thursday, his doctors said a chest X-ray showed “a good recovery of the operated lung” and that his postoperative recovery was progressing normally. Further tests are being conducted to determine whether he is cancer-free or requires additional treatment.
Leo is expected to remain at Gemelli Hospital for several days and has canceled audiences through Oct. 20. A Vatican source told the Buenos Aires Times that he has received no visitors beyond members of his entourage but has been able to do some work from the hospital.
It remains unclear whether the surgery will affect his planned Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Chicago-born pope, elected in May 2025, had no previously known health problems and has maintained an active schedule.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 4 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 338 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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- Source articles
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- Given to the writer
- 8, 4 with the article's own text
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- This version written
- 338 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
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