The Vatican said on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV spent a calm night in hospital, after undergoing surgery on Tuesday afternoon that saw part of his right lung removed.
The 71-year-old was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer that accounts for a large proportion of all lung cancer cases.
In a public statement on Sunday, the American pontiff revealed that during recent medical examinations, doctors had found a small growth in his lung.
“It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it,” Leo said October 11, thanking people for their “spiritual closeness” and their prayers.
The Vatican said on Tuesday evening that the pope underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled, and that the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a “video-assisted technique”.
“The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected by the pre-operative tests,” it said.
The operation itself lasted about ninety minutes and was described as “successful”, with no complications.
“Following the operation, the Pope woke up normally and, after a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the tenth floor,” the statement said.
Catholics across the world have been praying for the pope’s recovery in the wake of the announcement, and world leaders have been sending well-wishes following Tuesday’s procedure.
On Sunday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni I wish to express her “personal closeness and that of the Italian Government”, adding that she was certain “that the Italian people too will not fail to offer their support and affection”.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney referred to the pope as “a source of hope and inspiration for billions around the world”.
“His message of unity and compassion reminds us of the strength we can offer one another in moments of uncertainty,” he said, offering his regards on behalf of Canadians.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi added their tributes to those pouring in, while the religious orders and bishops’ conferences across the world stated their intention to pray for him in the coming days.