Pope Leo XIV 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. According to the Vatican, the removed lung nodule was malignant.

The head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide is in Gemelli Hospital, where several of his predecessors have also been treated. The popes have their own wing there where they are looked after around the clock. The Pope is now expected to recover there for about a week.

Pope announced the findings himself

Leo unexpectedly announced on Sunday that a lump had been discovered in his lung during a check-up, which was still in a "very early stage". On the advice of the doctors, he decided to have an operation. The procedure took place just two days later.

Until then, no health problems were known about the first American to head the Catholic Church. Leo keeps fit with tennis, swimming and regular exercises. At 71, he is still a relatively young pope.

The Pope was operated on by a team of doctors led by the renowned Professor Stefano Margaritora, an Italian. In the Gemelli Clinic - officially: Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - on the outskirts of the Italian capital, there is a Pope wing on the tenth floor. Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, was also treated there until shortly before his death at the age of 88.

Trip to South America still planned

In front of the hospital, the Pope was received by a team of doctors and numerous onlookers. Many people also welcomed him inside. Many also prayed for him.

Due to the hospitalization, all audiences have been canceled until the middle of next week. Participation in the closing service of an international bishops' meeting on marriage and family this Wednesday in St. Peter's Square was canceled.

In November the Pope is scheduled to travel for almost two weeks to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The former global head of the Augustinian Order worked as a missionary and bishop in Peru for many years. He also has Peruvian citizenship.