The 71-year-old pontiff’s diagnosis, which had been suspected during preoperative testing, was confirmed during the procedure. The Vatican said the operation lasted approximately 90 minutes, while the Pope spent about three hours in the operating room.
“The surgery was successful, and there were no complications,” the statement said.
According to the Vatican, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted technique to ensure a complete removal of the affected tissue.
“Intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as suspected from pre-operative tests,” the medical bulletin stated.
Following the procedure, Pope Leo XIV regained consciousness normally and was transferred back to his room on the 10th floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican confirmed.
Earlier in the day, the pontiff arrived at the hospital through its main entrance, where he waved to dozens of well-wishers gathered outside to greet him.
The surgery was performed by a medical team led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli Hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon.
