Pope Leo XIV, 71, has been diagnosed with lung cancer and successfully underwent surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced in a medical bulletin.

The 90-minute procedure took place on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where the pontiff was subsequently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. Following the operation, Pope Leo XIV awoke normally and returned to his room after a brief observation period. The Vatican stated that the entire lower lobe of his right lung was removed to ensure the procedure was radical.

A Vatican source indicated to Agence France-Presse that further tests are underway to determine if the cancer has spread. The growth was initially detected during routine medical checks. Pope Leo XIV himself announced the news of his impending surgery on Sunday, speaking from St. Peter's Square after delivering the Angelus blessing. He described the nodule as contained and found at a very early stage, but noted doctors advised its removal.

Gemelli's thoracic surgery team performed the operation. The Pope's schedule has been cleared until October 20 to allow for his recovery. While nodules are common and not always cancerous, pre-operative tests had already confirmed the presence of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as stated by the Vatican.

The Vatican emphasized that the pontiff, widely considered to be in good health, presented no symptoms of infection or illness. Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao of Tokyo, who met with the Pope on Monday, reported that the pontiff felt physically well and chose to undergo surgery promptly to avoid disrupting his planned early November trip to Latin America.

This trip holds particular significance, including a visit to Peru, where Pope Leo XIV served as a missionary and bishop for many years. Despite the reassurances from the Vatican, the news has caused concern among Catholics worldwide.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin acknowledged the unexpected nature of the news, describing it as a "bolt from the blue" but expressed confidence in the Pope's recovery, noting the pontiff's serenity throughout the process.

Crowds gathered outside Gemelli Hospital to offer well wishes to the Pope as he arrived for his surgery, cheering and waving as he passed. He acknowledged their support with a smile and a shrug, assuring them of his well-being.