On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove a nodule from his right lung. The Vatican reported that the operation went smoothly, but that the nodule was revealed to be cancerous. The Holy Father is currently resting and recovering in Rome’s Romeʼs Agostino Gemelli University Hospital.
“The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement concerning the operation. “To ensure the radical removal of the tumor, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from preoperative tests. The Holy Father was in the operating room for approximately three hours, while the procedure itself lasted about 90 minutes. The operation was successful, and there were no complications. After surgery, the pope regained consciousness normally and, following a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the 10th floor.”
Below is a statement from Bishop Walkowiak:
“We thank God that our Holy Father’s surgery was successful yesterday and that he seems to be recovering well. I wish to thank the faithful and all people of good will who have kept Pope Leo in prayer these past few days. As we continue to receive updates from the Holy See regarding his condition, I encourage you to keep Pope Leo XIV in prayer, especially for his peace and for a return to full health.
“We also pray in a special way for everyone who is battling cancer and their loved ones. May Pope Leo’s struggle with this illness be an inspiration to remain united to the Lord in difficult times by placing our trust in Him amid suffering.
“We ask for the intercession of Saint Peregrine, patron saint of cancer patients, and Our Lady of Lourdes as we pray for Pope Leo XIV and all those afflicted by cancer.”
Let us continue to keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he recovers and gains his strength back. For the latest updates on the Holy Father’s condition, use the links below.