Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff from Chicago has been diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.

The 71-year-old Pope underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a “localized nodule” in his lung.

Later Tuesday it was revealed that the surgeon removed the lower lobe of the pontiff’s right lung.

Doctors confirmed that Pope Leo XIV indeed has lung cancer.

The operation took place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

Per Fox News:

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican confirms.

The 71-year-old pontiff spent approximately three hours in the operating room, with doctors confirming a form of lung cancer during the procedure. The diagnosis had been suspected before the operation, but doctors now have confirmation.

The Vatican says the surgery was successful and there were no complications.

BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican confirms.

The 71-year-old pontiff spent approximately three hours in the operating room, with doctors confirming a form of lung cancer during the procedure. The diagnosis had been suspected before the operation, but doctors now have confirmation.

The Vatican says the surgery was successful and there were no complications.

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 13, 2026

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope in May 2025.