VATICAN CITY, 15 Oct. - (ANA) - The Vatican revealed on Tuesday Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Pope Leo has shared a statement this evening - the first since his cancer diagnosis was revealed to the public. Pope Leo, 71, underwent surgery on Tuesday, during which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. Following the operation, it emerged doctors had diagnosed him with adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. The procedure was reported to have been successful and carried out as planned. Earlier on Wednesday, the Vatican said Pope Leo was "progressing as expected" and had spent a peaceful night in hospital.

 

This evening, Pope Leo himself issued a statement, reading: "As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days. I thank you warmly for your prayers and for the work you have done together.

 

"Your sharing of experiences and attentive listening are indeed a gift to the whole Church. I am especially grateful to the families who have spoken of their joys, struggles and hopes."

 

The 71-year-old pope took the unusual step of being highly transparent about his health. He revealed during his Sunday Angelus address that doctors had identified a small, localised nodule and announced plans for its removal.

 

The procedure, typically carried out under general anaesthetic, is expected to require a hospital stay of around a week. In response, the Vatican cancelled all of Pope Leo's scheduled public engagements through October 20.

 

Although Rome's Gemelli hospital includes a dedicated papal suite, complete with a private chapel used by previous pontiffs during medical treatment, Leo is expected to recover in a nearby room instead, as the papal apartment is currently undergoing refurbishment, according to the Vatican press office.

 

While it has cleared the pope's schedule for the next few days, the Vatican hasn't announced any changes to Leo's planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru lasting between November 6 to 17.

 

But Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori said on Wednesday that the pope's diagnosis and recovery could affect the visit, even as she expressed hope it would go ahead.

 

Pope Leo spent two decades as a missionary in Peru, holds Peruvian citizenship and is a beloved figure in the country.

 

"We understand that this recovery will take several weeks, longer than expected," Ms Fujimori told reporters. "We also understand that there could be some changes to the schedule of his visit."

 

Ms Fujimori said millions of Peruvians were praying for the pontiff's recovery and awaiting further announcements from the Vatican.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/15 October 2026 - - -