Understand
Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery
Overview
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing a 90-minute surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The 71-year-old pontiff is expected to remain in hospital for a week to recover, leaving Catholics questioning his prognosis, upcoming travel plans, and the future pace of his papacy.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma on Tuesday following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
- The 71-year-old Pope is expected to stay at Rome's Gemelli Hospital for a week to recover.
- Uncertainty surrounds his upcoming travel plans, including a scheduled November trip to South America due to health risks following lung surgery.
- Catholics and church observers are speculating whether the cancer diagnosis and recovery will impact the pace at which the Pope implements changes in the Church.