Leo XIV was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on October 13 at the Agostino Jemelli University Hospital in the Italian capital, Rome. During the operation, the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. This was reported by the Vatican press service.

It is reported that the surgery was initially planned to examine and remove a nodular lesion found in the lung. Histological examination of the tissues obtained during the surgery confirmed the presence of a malignant tumor — lung adenocarcinoma.

The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and concluded without complications. After the surgery, Leo XIV regained consciousness and, following a brief period of observation, was transferred to a regular ward. According to the doctors' initial assessments, the pontiff's recovery period in the hospital is expected to last about a week. In this regard, all his scheduled meetings until October 20 have been canceled.

For context, Leo XIV was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025. His birth name is Robert Francis Prevost, and he was born in the USA.