🔶 Vatican: Pope Leo XIV underwent lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV, the leader of Catholics worldwide, was put under lung surgery on the recommendation of doctors. The Vatican announced late on Tuesday evening, 21 Mehr (13 October), that the “lower lobe of the right lung” of the 71-year-old pope was removed during the operation.

During the procedure, “adenocarcinoma,” one of the most common types of lung cancer, was diagnosed. The surgery, which lasted about 90 minutes, was carried out successfully at the Gemelli Hospital in the city of Rome, without any complications. After the operation, the pope naturally woke up from anesthesia and is now in a hospital room recovering. The Vatican said that the tumor or mass removed from his lung was malignant.

The leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide is hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital, where several of his predecessor popes have also received treatment. The popes have their own dedicated wing in this hospital, where healthcare and medical services are provided around the clock. Pope Leo is expected to spend about a week in this hospital for his recovery.