Pope Leo XIV’s Cancer Discovery and Recovery Detailed by Surgeon

Dr. Stefano Margaritora, renowned thoracic surgeon at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation, provided insights into Pope Leo XIV’s recent cancer discovery and surgery in an interview with Vatican News. Margaritora shared details about the events surrounding the pope’s health, including his surgery and the significance of preventive care.

Pope Leo XIV, 71, was discharged from the hospital on a recent Saturday, four days post-surgery, to the applause of well-wishers. Margaritora revealed that the pope’s lung cancer was discovered incidentally, as he was not undergoing a cancer screening. The tumor was accidentally detected during examinations for unrelated reasons.

Margaritora explained, “The Holy Father falls into the category of people who find out they have lung cancer entirely by chance — not through preventive screening.” He emphasized the tumor was located at the base of the right lung, and its position was fortunate as a slightly different location might have led to it being overlooked.

The surgeon highlighted the importance of regular checkups, noting that cancers like the pope’s can be asymptomatic in early stages. Margaritora stated that Pope Leo XIV experienced no respiratory symptoms and felt in good health at the time of diagnosis.

Following the removal of a lung nodule, which Margaritora described as a routine procedure, the pope’s recovery was uneventful. Diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of cancer, during surgery, Pope Leo XIV proved to be an exemplary patient. Margaritora commended the pontiff for not causing any complications, even noting his initiative in organizing the hospital’s makeshift chapel chairs.

Throughout his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Leo XIV remained active. By Thursday, he resumed work and held a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The Vatican released photos of him celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel and meeting with Church officials, including Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle and Baldassare Reina. The pope is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6-17.