According to his doctors, Pope Leo has lung cancer

Pope Leo underwent lung surgery for cancer. The 71-year-old had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday, the Vatican announced late in the evening. Adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, was diagnosed. The approximately 90-minute operation in the Roman Gemelli Clinic was successful and without complications. The Pope woke up normally from the anesthesia and is now recovering in his hospital room.

Doctors discovered the growth on his lungs during a recent check-up. According to the Vatican, Leo is expected to remain in the hospital for a week to recover.

The ‌Vatican initially ‌only announced on Tuesday that Leo had survived a ‌surgical procedure to remove a lump on his lungs.

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