World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung cancer surgery at Rome hospital
The 71-year-old pontiff has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following a surgical procedure to remove part of his right lung. The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis and successful operation in a medical bulletin released Tuesday.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Pope Leo XIV underwent a 90-minute surgical procedure at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday to remove a lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced in an official medical statement. The pontiff, aged 71, was subsequently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma during the course of treatment.
The Vatican's medical bulletin indicated that the operation was successful, though specific details regarding the pontiff's recovery timeline and future health outlook were not disclosed in the initial announcement. Gemelli Hospital, where the procedure took place, is one of Italy's leading medical facilities and has long served as the papal healthcare provider.
The diagnosis marks a significant health development for the head of the Roman Catholic Church, who leads over a billion faithful worldwide. The Vatican has not provided additional information regarding the pontiff's current condition or any adjustments to his official schedule in the coming weeks.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer that typically develops in the outer regions of the lungs. Early detection and surgical intervention, as occurred in this case, can improve treatment outcomes.