Vatican says Pope Leo has lung cancer after surgery

Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican announced following surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung, according to a statement from his doctors released by the church.

Lung tissue examined after the surgery confirmed a previous test that had revealed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said. Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common form of lung cancer in the United States, representing about 40% of all lung cancers, according to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.

The announcement did not provide further details about the Pope's condition or the prognosis. The surgery was performed at Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope has previously received medical treatment.

According to Mehr News, the Vatican released the statement from Leo's doctors confirming the diagnosis and the surgical procedure.