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Pope Leo XIV deemed fit for discharge after lung cancer surgery

Doctors say he was fit to leave Rome's Gemelli hospital, while the Vatican canceled his audiences through Oct. 20.

Updated Oct 18, 2026 · 18:16 UTC44 reports

The short version

  • Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, and the Vatican said tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.[Associated Press]
  • The Vatican said the roughly 90-minute operation was successful and had no complications.[Associated Press]
  • Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said blood tests and a chest X-ray supported discharge from Gemelli hospital.[NPR · France 24]
  • The Vatican canceled his audiences through Oct. 20, and Dr. Stephen Liu, who is not involved in his care, said planned trips depend on whether the cancer is stage 1.[Associated Press]

Key facts

  • The Vatican said Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, and tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.[Associated Press]
  • The Vatican said the surgery lasted about 90 minutes, was successful, and had no complications.[Associated Press]
  • Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said blood tests and a chest X-ray showed the pope was fit for discharge.[NPR · France 24]
  • The Vatican canceled all of the pope's audiences through Oct. 20.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • The cancer's stage is not established in the cited reporting, and Dr. Stephen Liu, who is not involved in the pope's care, said whether planned trips can proceed depends on it.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.