Vatican says Pope Leo has lung cancer after surgery

The Vatican said Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer after surgery to remove a lung nodule. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said. The diagnosis had been suspected before surgery.

The Vatican said the operation was successful and had no complications. MedPage Today reported that the Vatican described the removal as radical, indicating doctors removed all suspect tissue in hopes of removing any lingering traces of the cancer.

The reports differ on what comes next. NBC News said a treatment course will be prescribed after more testing. MedPage Today reported that the Vatican’s statement did not specify future treatment, and that Vatican officials were not currently speaking of chemotherapy or other therapies.