Pope Leo recovering after lung cancer operation

Pope Leo XIV is recovering in Rome's Gemelli hospital after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung.

Part of the pope's lung was removed in the operation and the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics is awaiting the results of tests to determine if the cancer has spread.

The sporty 71-year-old, who was only elected last year, made the surprise announcement that he would be undergoing surgery after Sunday prayers.

He underwent the 90-minute operation yesterday, after which the Vatican said he "woke up normally".

"The pope passed a calm night. The surgery was successful and there were no complications," the Vatican said, without providing any more details on the 71-year-old.