Pope Leo XIV undergoes lung surgery, confirms diagnosis of Lung Cancer

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat

Last Tuesday, October 13, the Holy Father had a "small, localized and well-defined nodule" removed from his lung at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

An intra-operative histological examination was done, according to the statement of the Holy See Press Office, confirming a suspected diagnosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Part of the Holy Father's right lung, the lower lobe, was also removed via video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), a procedure led by Professor Stefano Margaritora with Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Ciaravella as part of the team. The said procedure ensures radical resection of the affected area.

The Holy Father had an uncomplicated surgery and was reported to be back in his room following post-operative monitoring. He continues to be stable. Further examinations are to be carried out, as treatment plans have yet to be discussed.

Dr. Luigi Carbone serves as the Holy Father's personal physician. Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr. Giovanni Punzo and Dr. Guiseppe Bello comprised the Anesthesiology team during the operation.

A history of cancer is present in Pope Leo's family. His older brother is currently undergoing treatment for cancer; while their parents both passed away due to cancer.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, sought prayers for Pope Leo ahead of his scheduled surgery.