VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer Tuesday and had part of his right lung removed, the Vatican announced.
\n\nThe news came after the seat of the Roman Catholic Church first reported that the Pope’s surgery to remove a lung nodule was completed “successfully, on schedule and as planned.”
\n\nThe 71-year-old Leo returned to his room after the surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, according to a statement from the Vatican spokesman, who promised further information at a later time.
\n\nThe pope was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for the operation, which experts say will determine whether the lesion is malignant and if other treatment is needed. The operation was led by Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora.
\n\nThe operation got underway as medical staff recited the rosary prayer in the hospital chapel Tuesday evening. “Let us join together in prayer, asking the Lord to sustain our bishop, Pope Leo, and to comfort all those who are hospitalized here,” said the vicar of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, at the start of the prayer.
\n\nEarlier, Leo appeared in good spirits when he left the Vatican for the hospital, waving at well-wishers from a lowered car window.
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