Pope Leo XIV is fighting lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with the disease after undergoing surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday. It is the first time the Vatican has released images of him since the procedure.
The news lands with heavy weight. The Pope, who took office in May, is now facing a serious health battle while simultaneously trying to mediate a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. His condition has moved from a routine nodule removal to a confirmed cancer diagnosis, shifting the global conversation from his leadership style to his longevity.
Mass from the hospital bed
On Friday, the Vatican shared photos of the Chicago-born Pope celebrating Mass from the tenth floor of Gemelli Hospital. He wore a green robe and stood behind a makeshift altar, surrounded by medical staff. The Vatican press office said he “celebrated with the medical and nursing staff” and thanked them for their service. It was a deliberate display of strength, showing he remains active despite the gravity of his diagnosis.
Doctors report steady improvement
Medical teams confirmed the surgery was “successful” and proceeded without complications. They removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung to ensure the procedure was “radical,” according to Vatican statements. Doctors reported on Friday that tests showed a “steady improvement in his general condition.” A chest X-ray indicated “good recovery of the operated lung.” The Pope reportedly spent a “peaceful night” in his room after the operation. He is expected to remain at the hospital for about a week to recover.
Call to Putin
While recovering, the Pope did not stop making calls. On Friday, he phoned Russian President Vladimir Putin from his hospital bed. He urged a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, where access to food and water has been cut off for thousands of residents. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said the Kremlin’s acceptance of the call was a positive sign. “The fact that he accepted the call and spoke with the Pope may, I hope, be a sign that the Pope’s request will indeed be carried out,” Parolin said. The Kremlin responded cautiously, stating it supported the Vatican’s intention to ensure the safety of the town’s population and organize vital supplies.
What happens next
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has also described the situation in Oleshky as “desperate.” The Pope’s diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma was confirmed after pre-operative tests suspected it. The Vatican stressed he showed no symptoms of infection or illness prior to the procedure. As he recovers, the world watches to see if his health will limit his ability to continue his diplomatic efforts. The next few weeks will determine whether the Pope can return to full duties or if the Vatican must prepare for a prolonged period of reduced activity.
Source: BBC World
This article was compiled by the IndiaBBCNews editorial system from verified international news sources. Facts have been independently reviewed. Original reporting: BBC World.
