Pope Leo Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer following a successful surgical procedure in Rome, the Vatican confirmed. The pontiff is currently recovering without complications at Gemelli Hospital as prayers pour in from Catholic communities worldwide, including across the Caribbean. His hospital stay is expected to last approximately one week.
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following a planned, minimally invasive surgical procedure at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, the Holy See Press Office announced. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, the lead thoracic surgeon, the diagnosis was confirmed through an intraoperative histological examination while the procedure was underway.
The surgical team successfully removed a lung nodule during an operation that lasted approximately 90 minutes. Officials confirmed that the surgery concluded without complications and the pontiff returned to his room on the hospital's 10th floor in good spirits. The Vatican stated that the pulmonary nodule had been detected during an initial phase and was well localized.
Medical experts note that lung adenocarcinoma represents the most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, accounting for roughly 40 percent of cases. Because the condition typically develops on the outer regions of the lungs and tends to grow more slowly than other forms, early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin noted that the pontiff approached the procedure with great serenity. A special Rosary service was held in the hospital chapel on Tuesday evening, led by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, who invited faithful across the globe to pray for the Pope's health and strength.
For residents and faith communities across the British Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean region, where Catholic parishes maintain active congregations, the news has inspired widespread messages of support and prayer. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost and a native of Chicago, was elected as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.
The pontiff is expected to remain under observation at Gemelli Hospital for about a week as he continues his post-operative recovery.
Primary source: VINO