Pope Leo XIV’s October 2026 lung surgery and adenocarcinoma diagnosis: key medical facts

Direct fact

In October 2026, the Vatican said 71-year-old Pope Leo XIV underwent about 90 minutes of surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, and the lower lobe of his right lung was removed after a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Key specifics

• The Vatican statement was issued on October 13, 2026, after preparatory examinations and tissue tests confirmed the diagnosis.
• The operation lasted about 90 minutes, while the Pope was in the operating room for roughly 3 hours.
• The removed part was the lower lobe of the right lung, according to the Vatican bulletin.
• The Vatican said all public events were cancelled until October 20, 2026, and he was expected to remain in hospital for about a week.
• CDC notes that lung cancer has two main types, non-small cell and small cell, and adenocarcinoma is the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer.

Exam lens

Question type: health and international current affairs, disease classification and institution-based facts; remember October 2026, Vatican, Gemelli Hospital, 71 years, 90 minutes, and lung adenocarcinoma. TNPSC may ask the cancer type, the hospital name, or the official source of the update.