Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with cancer

Vatican confirms Pope Leo has lung cancer

The 90-minute operation took place on Tuesday after doctors discovered a lung nodule during routine medical checks. 

Leo had spoken about the finding on Sunday, describing it as “contained” and saying it had been detected “at a very early stage”. Despite this, doctors recommended removing it.

The Vatican confirmed that the procedure was successful and that there were no complications.

"After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room," the Vatican said.

Medical tests confirmed the suspected diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that generally grows more slowly than other forms of the disease.

Further examinations are now being carried out to determine whether the cancer has spread.

Despite the diagnosis, the Vatican said Leo had been generally fit and had shown no symptoms of infection or illness.

Vatican yet to confirm Pope Leo’s November travel plans

The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for around a week while he recovers, with his schedule cleared until 20 October.

However, questions remain over whether he will require further medical care and when he can return to his usual duties.

His plans currently include a South American tour from 6 to 17 November, with stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

If the trip goes ahead as planned, it will be the longest overseas tour of his papacy so far.

The schedule involves more than 19,000 miles of travel, 12 flights and two helicopter journeys, as well as a substantial shift in altitude while visiting Peru.