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# Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Successful Surgery After Lung Cancer Diagnosis
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/pope-leo-xiv-undergoes-successful-surgery-after-lung-cancer-diagnosis/
- Published: 2026-10-14T17:26:26.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-14T17:50:42.000Z
- Description: Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis prompted a message of support from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as the Vatican awaits further medical results.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Pope Leo, Vatican, Roman Catholicism, Patriarch Bartholomew

**ROME —** Pope Leo XIV underwent [successful surgery](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-10/pope-leo-surgery-gemelli-hospital-successful.html) at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, with doctors removing the lower lobe of his right lung. An examination of the tissue during the operation [confirmed a diagnosis](https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-surgery-86268530ef22fd14d2712067e89946f1) of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said.

The procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the Pope spent about three hours in the operating room. The Holy See Press Office reported that the surgery was completed without complications and that Leo awoke normally before returning to his hospital room on the facility’s 10th floor.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/09/patr-john-x-meets-pope-leo-xiv-to-discuss-middle-east-christians.jpg)On this topicPatr. John X Meets Pope Leo XIV to Discuss Middle East Christians](https://uoj.news/news/patr-john-x-meets-pope-leo-xiv-to-discuss-middle-east-christians/)

The operation was led by thoracic surgeon Prof. Stefano Margaritora. Further examinations of the removed tissue are expected to help determine the extent of the disease. The Vatican has not announced a treatment plan, and results concerning the Pope’s lymph nodes have not yet been reported.

Before the operation, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent the Pope a [fraternal letter](https://ec-patr.org/14/10/19/32/eyches-toy-oikoymenikoy-patriarchoy-pr/?fbclid=IwdGRleAU8k3JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUQT7O--QRmMnqd4g897eCEYdXR9k4nNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4IzSVZKDkaDDJ1xviW9mm1DfDnvb390Vh4b33b7Qza%5FLmkeUymLJzi2dZF8Q%5Faem%5FqRnpjx70N5HK0Y-36nXnYw) expressing his wishes for a full recovery. “May your strength be renewed for the benefit of the high task entrusted to you,” the Patriarch wrote, adding that he hoped to convey his wishes in person when the Pope’s recovery permitted.

Patr. Bartholomew is scheduled to travel to Rome on October 23 for several engagements, including a meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican. The two are also expected to travel to Assisi for events marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi. Meanwhile, the Pope’s planned November 6–17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru remains uncertain pending his recovery.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/86619-metr-nathanael-meets-pope-leo-xiv-in-vatican-audience/) that Metr. Nathanael met Pope Leo XIV in a Vatican audience.