Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful thoracic surgery

Pope Leo XIV underwent successful thoracic surgery to remove a portion of his lung, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora reported that the Pope underwent a scheduled video-assisted procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. An in situ histological examination confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, which doctors had suspected during preoperative exams.

The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes, though the Pope remained in the operating room for about 3 hours. The Holy See Press Office stated the procedure was successful without complications. After waking up normally and undergoing a brief observation period, the Pope returned to his room on the 10th floor.

Stefano Margaritora led the surgical team, which included Elisa Meacci, María Teresa Congedo, and Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella. Massimo Antonelli, Giovanni Punzo, and Giuseppe Bello served on the anesthesiology team.