Pope Leo recovering “as expected” after surgery and lung cancer diagnosis, Vatican says

Updated on: October 14, 2026 / 10:10 AM EDT / CBS News

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery on Tuesday to remove a nodular lesion from his right lung, the Vatican announced.

The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said in a news release following the surgery, describing the operation as "successful" and with "no complications." It said the diagnosis of lung cancer was confirmed during the surgery, which lasted 90 minutes.

In an update shared Wednesday by the Vatican, doctors leading the pope's care at Rome's Gemelli Hospital said he had undergone blood tests and a chest X-ray as scheduled following the surgery and that the results "confirm a normal post-operative course: the values are within the expected range for the type of procedure performed."

"The Holy Father has carried out respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking around his room," they added. "He has resumed a regular diet, having both breakfast and lunch. His recovery is proceeding as expected."

A Vatican spokesperson said Wednesday that the pope was expected to remain hospitalized for a week from the point of his admission on Tuesday.

In its earlier statement on the surgery…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/healthwatch/