Reuters · October 14, 2026

Vatican Says Pope Leo Spent a Peaceful Night in Hospital After Lung Cancer Surgery on Tuesday

• The Vatican said on Wednesday that Pope Leo, 71, spent a peaceful night in hospital after surgery, and that further information about his condition would be released later in the day.
• The pope was diagnosed on Tuesday with lung adenocarcinoma after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during an operation, according to the report.
• The operation lasted about 90 minutes and was completed without complications, lead surgeon Stefano Margaritora and personal physician Luigi Carbone said late on Tuesday, according to the report.
• The Vatican has not disclosed the size of the tumour or whether the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes, according to the report.
• The Vatican said earlier this week that the pope was expected to remain in hospital for about a week and that his public engagements have been cancelled until October 20.

Medical statements attributed to the Vatican and to the named physicians as reported. Original headline: "Pope Leo spent peaceful night in hospital after surgery, Vatican says".