Pope diagnosed with lung cancer but had successful surgery, Vatican says

Share Save Add as preferred on Google Sarah Rainsford , Southern and Eastern Europe correspondent, at the Gemelli Hospital, Rome and Olivia Ireland Reuters Pope Leo arrived at Rome's Gemelli Hospital ahead of his surgery on Tuesday Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer but had successful surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has said in a medical bulletin.

The 71-year-old underwent a 90 minute surgery on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital and was subsequently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.

"The operation was successful and there were no complications," the Vatican said. "After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room," it added.

The lump was first detected during what the Vatican has described as "routine checks". The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week.