Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, according to the Vatican. The 71 year old pontiff is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week after doctors found a suspicious growth during a recent examination. Doctors identified the growth as lung adenocarcinoma after examining tissue during the procedure. The surgery lasted about 90 minutes, while Pope Leo XIV spent roughly three hours in the operating room, and the Vatican said there were no complications. What Happens Next for Pope Leo XIV? Pope Leo XIV woke normally after the operation and returned to his room following a short observation period. Pope Leo XIV had told the public on Sunday that doctors discovered a growth during a recent checkup, describing it as localized and caught at an early stage before cancer had been publicly confirmed. The Vatican expects Pope Leo XIV to spend approximately one week recovering at Gemelli Hospital. His planned November trip to South America remains on the schedule, though his medical recovery could shape the final travel plans.