Pope diagnosed with lung cancer but had successful surgery

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 Vactican said the operation was successful and there were no complications, and after the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room.



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.



Earlier, large crowds waited for hours outside the hospital for the Pope. They cheered greetings and well wishes as he passed, while he waved and smiled back through the lowered back window of his car.



In its statement, the Vatican also said the whole lower lobe of the Pope's right lung was removed "to ensure the procedure was radical".