VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo spent a peaceful night in hospital after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, the Vatican said on October 14. Doctors removed the lower part of his right lung, and further details about his recovery were expected later in the day.

The 71-year-old pope was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, after doctors discovered a growth during a routine health check. He was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for treatment.

The operation lasted about 90 minutes and was completed without complications, according to the pope's lead surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, and his personal physician, Luigi Carbone.

In a joint statement on October 13, the doctors said they had removed the entire lower lobe of the pope's right lung to remove all the cancerous tissue. Human lungs have five lobes, with three in the right lung and two in the left.

The Vatican has not revealed the size of the tumor or whether the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes. These details are important in determining how serious the disease is and what treatment may be needed.

The Vatican had said earlier that Leo was expected to remain in hospital for about a week. All his public engagements have been canceled until October 20.

The world's cardinals elected Leo as pope in May 2025. At 71, he is relatively young for a leader of the Catholic Church. He enjoys sports, including tennis, and is not known to smoke or to have experienced recent health problems.

World Leaders Wish Pope Speedy Recovery

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and his wife, Jeanette, were praying for Leo, who was born in Chicago.

"May the Lord give him strength and the Holy Spirit guide the medical professionals taking care of the Holy Father," Rubio wrote on X.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also wished the pope a quick and full recovery, according to Germany's Catholic news agency KNA.

Steinmeier said the pope's views on current issues and global challenges matter to people around the world, including those in Germany, regardless of religious beliefs.

Leo's illness has drawn attention because of his central role in the Catholic Church, which has around 1.4 billion followers worldwide.

The pope usually follows a busy schedule and is due to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on an 11-day tour from November 6 to 17. It remains unclear whether the trip will go ahead following his surgery and recovery period.

As the head of the Catholic Church, the pope is its highest authority. No deputy automatically takes over his responsibilities when he becomes ill.

When a pope is unable to carry out his duties, the Vatican's administrative operations continue. However, decisions that require the pope's approval may be delayed until he can make them.

Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle led a Mass in St. Peter's Square on October 14 instead of Leo.

Last week, the pope approved Tagle as dean of the College of Cardinals, one of the Church's most senior bodies. Tagle's appointment marked the first time an Asian cleric had been selected for the position.

The Vatican is expected to provide further updates on the pope's condition as he continues his recovery in hospital.