Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Here's what to know about the first American pope.

Pope Leo XIV announced he was to undergo surgery during the Sunday Angelus prayer on October 11, 2026. Elisabetta Trevisan - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images In May 2025, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the current pope. Hailing from Chicago, he has been outspoken about the impact of AI on society during his papacy. Pope Leo XIV was recently diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery. Pope Leo XIV was elected pope in May 2025. Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV has since made his mark on the papacy, writing his first encyclical about the impact of artificial intelligence on society and making key appointments to the Vatican. He's the first pope from the US and the 267th pope overall. Most recently, Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.