Day 288 of year 12,026. The Vatican has historically shared minimal health information about the health crises of their spiritual leaders. Popes Leo 13, Pius 12, John 23, and John Paul 2 all experienced health crises. None of those papal health incidents included same day transparency of tests and treatment results (AP, 2026; NCR, 2026). On October 13, Vatican News released a same day announcement, stating Pope Leo 14 was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, during a surgery that resulted in the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung (VN, 2026). The pope is expected to remain in hospital up to 7 days (VN, 2026).
Sources:
(AP, 2026)
Associated Press & NICOLE WINFIELD and COLLEEN BARRY, Associated Press. (2026, October 15). Vatican releases update on Pope Leo XIV following his surgery, lung cancer diagnosis. https://www.ky3.com. https://www.ky3.com/2026/10/14/vatican-releases-update-pope-leo-xiv-following-his-surgery-lung-cancer-diagnosis/
(NCR, 2026)
Pope Leo XIV breaks with decades of secrecy by announcing his own surgery. (2026, October 13). National Catholic Register. https://www.ncregister.com/cna/pope-leo-xiv-breaks-with-decades-of-secrecy-by-announcing-his-own-surgery
(VN, 2026) Vatican News. (2026, October 13). Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgery. Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-10/pope-leo-surgery-gemelli-hospital-successful.html
