Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his lung on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Medical staff performed the procedure at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The operation lasted 90 minutes.
Detection of Pulmonary Condition
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, 11 October 2026, that medical examinations had revealed a circumscribed lung nodule. The pontiff stated at that time that the condition was detected at a very early stage.
Surgeons at Gemelli Hospital performed the operation on 13 October 2026 to address the growth. The medical team proceeded with the removal of the lower lobe of the right lung to prevent the spread of pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
Dr. David Carbone characterized the surgical approach as a common medical practice, noting, "Cela correspond à la procédure standard." Regarding the long-term prognosis for the patient, Dr. David Carbone explained, "les poumons disposent d’une grande capacité de réserve, et on peut se faire retirer un poumon entier et continuer à mener une vie normale."
The medical team at Gemelli Hospital in Rome initiated the surgical intervention for Pope Leo XIV on the morning of 13 October 2026. The 90-minute procedure was conducted to address the specific pulmonary condition identified during the medical examinations referenced by the Pope on Sunday, 11 October 2026. By removing the lower lobe of the right lung, the surgical team aimed to ensure the complete excision of the cancerous nodule, thereby preventing the further spread of pulmonary adenocarcinoma within the patient.
The decision to proceed with the operation followed the announcement made by Pope Leo XIV on 11 October 2026, in which the pontiff informed the public that a circumscribed lung nodule had been identified. At that time, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the medical team had successfully detected the condition at a very early stage, which allowed for the timely scheduling of the surgery at Gemelli Hospital.
Following the 90-minute operation, Dr. David Carbone provided additional context regarding the nature of the surgery. Dr. David Carbone noted that the procedure, which involved the removal of the lower lobe of the right lung, was a targeted effort to stop the progression of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Dr. David Carbone further elaborated on the physiological impact of such surgical interventions. According to Dr. David Carbone, the human body is well-equipped to recover from this type of thoracic surgery. Dr. David Carbone stated, "les poumons disposent d’une grande capacité de réserve, et on peut se faire retirer un poumon entier et continuer à mener une vie normale."
The medical staff at Gemelli Hospital oversaw the recovery process immediately following the 90-minute procedure. By successfully removing the lower lobe of the right lung, the surgeons addressed the pulmonary adenocarcinoma identified in the nodule. The early detection announced by Pope Leo XIV on 11 October 2026 remained a central factor in the clinical strategy employed by the team. Dr. David Carbone reiterated that the surgical approach utilized on 13 October 2026 aligned with established medical protocols, confirming, "Cela correspond à la procédure standard." The medical team continues to monitor the patient following the 90-minute intervention at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
