Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery Tuesday after an immediate tissue test confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.
The big picture: Doctors removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo XIV's right lung at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after an immediate histology exam confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, according to the Vatican's medical bulletin.
- The video-assisted operation lasted about 90 minutes, while the pope spent roughly three hours in the operating room. The Vatican said the procedure was successful and produced no complications.
- Leo woke normally after anesthesia and returned to his room on the hospital's 10th floor following a brief observation period.
The backstory: The pope had announced Sunday that doctors found a small, localized lung nodule during recent examinations. The surgical team removed the full lower lobe to make the operation radical, meaning it aimed to remove all detected tumor tissue.
What they're saying: Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Leo was alert and oriented after waking and, once back in his room, asked for dinner.
What's next: Postoperative tests and analysis of the removed tissue will follow over the next several days. The Vatican said the previously announced hospital stay remains about one week, with another health update due Wednesday.
Why it matters: The diagnosis and recovery of the 71-year-old leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics will shape the Vatican's schedule and focus attention on how the church handles a pope's temporary incapacity.
