Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo greets the faithful as he arrives to hold his first weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square since his surgery.

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Vatican Gives Update on Pope Leo’s Health

The 71-year-old pontiff required surgery to treat lung cancer.

Lauren Hartley

Pope Leo waves to the crowd at the start of his weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on October 7, 2026.

GOD’S WORK IS NEVER DONE

Pope Leo, 71, Has a New Workplace After Lung Surgery

The American pontiff resumed his daily activities after having the lower lobe of his right lung removed.

Lauren Hartley

Pope Leo XIV leaves the Vatican on October 13, 2026, to be admitted to Rome's Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Pope Leo, 71, Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery

The American pontiff’s surgery to remove a small growth on his lung was successful, but it was confirmed to be cancerous.

Lauren Hartley

Health Director Andrea Cambieri welcomes Pope Leo XIV as he arrives at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on October 13, 2026, for a lung lump removal.

Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Lung Surgery

The Vatican expects his recovery to take only about a week.

Reagin von Lehe

Pope Leo XIV, on October 11, 2026, announced he would be operated on "in the coming days" for a lump on his lung, saying it had been located "at a very early stage."

UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS

Pope Reveals Health Scare Ahead of Major Trip

The American pontiff will undergo surgery this week, the Vatican said.

Lauren Hartley

Pope Leo XIV gathers an audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on 5/27

Pope Leo Takes Subtle Shot at Pentagon Pete’s Ghoulish Plan

The Chicago-born pontiff is clearly keeping a close eye on headlines in the United States.

Evgenia Anastasakos