| Latest Health Update on Pope Leo XIV (14 October 2026) |
** “Our prayers are with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. May Our Blessed Mother’s intercession bring him healing, strength and a swift recovery.”
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Latest Health Update on Pope Leo XIV (14 October 2026)
October 15 2026
See translation in Arabic section:
Sydney – Middle East Times Int’l: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spent a quiet and stable night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after undergoing successful surgery on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. He spent approximately three hours in the operating theatre.
A statement issued by the Holy See Press Office on Wednesday morning, 14 October 2026, confirmed that the Pope had woken normally following the procedure and was resting without any reported complications.
The following outlines his health condition and the current official arrangements.
Medical Condition and Diagnosis
Item
Official diagnosis Medicaldetails
Lung adenocarcinoma, confirmed through laboratory and tissue examinations during surgery.
Nature of the tumour A localised tumour detected at a very early stage, giving him an “excellent” prognosis for recovery.
Surgical procedure The operation lasted 90 minutes, within a total of three hours in the operating theatre, and was led by thoracic surgeon Dr Stefano Margaritora.
Age and fitness The Pope is 71 years old, does not smoke and regularly plays tennis—factors that support his recovery.
Official Vatican Measures and Arrangements
• Cancellation of engagements: All public and private audiences and activities involving His Holiness have been cancelled until 20 October to allow him sufficient time to recover.
• Current accommodation: The Pope is staying in a specially equipped room at Gemelli Hospital because the traditional papal suite on the tenth floor is undergoing renovation. He is expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week.
• Delegation of duties: The Pope will not preside over the closing Mass of the World Meeting of Families on Wednesday. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will represent him in carrying out the official duties.
• International solidarity: The Pope has received numerous messages of support from world leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who wished him a speedy recovery and praised his strength and serenity.
The Middle East Times International team and Editor-in-Chief Camil Shalala wish His Holiness a speedy recovery, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, and all the saints.
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