Pope's surgeon details operating on the "ideal patient" after lung cancer discovery "entirely by chance"

Updated on: October 17, 2026 / 10:47 PM EDT / CBS News

Pope's surgeon details operating on the "ideal patient" after lung cancer discovery "entirely by chance"

TL;DR

  • Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer was discovered "entirely by chance" during examinations for unrelated reasons.
  • The tumor was located at the base of the right lung and was diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma.
  • The surgical procedure to remove the lung nodule was routine and performed without complications.
  • The pope recovered quickly and was discharged four days after surgery, described as an "ideal patient".
  • The surgeon highlighted the importance of preventive checkups, as early-stage cancers can be asymptomatic.