---
title: "Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Key Insights"
id: "medical-news-today-0-pope-leo-lung-cancer-diagnosis-what-to-know-about-lung-adenocarcinoma"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-pope-leo-lung-cancer-diagnosis-what-to-know-about-lung-adenocarcinoma"
content_type: "clinical_feed_article"
specialty: "Oncology"
source_name: "Medical News Today"
source_url: "https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pope-leo-lung-cancer-diagnosis-what-know-about-lung-adenocarcinoma/"
published_at: "2026-10-14T12:31:32.000Z"
evidence_level: "Verified Feed"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Key Insights
## Provenance & Clinical Metadata
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-pope-leo-lung-cancer-diagnosis-what-to-know-about-lung-adenocarcinoma
- **Specialty:** [Oncology](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/oncology.md)
- **Primary Source:** Medical News Today
- **Source URL:** [Original Journal Publication](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pope-leo-lung-cancer-diagnosis-what-know-about-lung-adenocarcinoma/)
- **Published At:** 2026-10-14T12:31:32.000Z
- **Evidence Rating:** Verified Feed
## Executive GIST (TL;DR)
- Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with **lung adenocarcinoma** on October 13, 2026. - Diagnosis confirmed via intraoperative histological examination after surgery. - Lung adenocarcinoma, the most common **non-small cell lung cancer**, accounts for around 40% of lung cancer cases. - Early-stage diagnosis often involves imaging like CT scans; symptoms may be absent. - Risk factors include smoking, age, and environmental exposure. - Treatment is stage-dependent, with surgical options available for early cases.
## Clinical Analysis & Structured Key Points
[Skip to main content](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pope-leo-lung-cancer-diagnosis-what-know-about-lung-adenocarcinoma#main) [Medical News Today](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/) * Health Conditions Health Conditions * [Alzheimer's & Dementia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/alzheimers-and-dementia) * [Anxiety](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/anxiety) * [Asthma & Allergies](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/asthma-and-allergies) * [Atopic Dermatitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/program/investigating-atopic-dermatitis) * [Breast Cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/breast-cancer) * [Cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/cancer) * [Cardiovascular Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/cardiovascular-health) * [COVID-19](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/coronavirus?correlationId=2b137d5a-dcfb-464e-9ea6-72c5a54b4e92) * [Diabetes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/diabetes) * [Endometriosis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/endometriosis) * [Environment & Sustainability](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/environment-and-sustainability) * [Exercise & Fitness](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/exercise-and-fitness) * [Eye Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/eye-health) * [Headache & Migraine](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/headache-and-migraine) * [Health Equity](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/health-equity) * [HIV & AIDS](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/hiv-and-aids) * [Human Biology](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/human-biology) * [Leukemia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/leukemia) * [LGBTQIA+](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/LGBTQIA) * [Men's Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/mens-health) * [Mental Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/mental-health) * [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/multiple-sclerosis) * [Nutrition](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/nutrition) * [Parkinson's Disease](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/parkinsons-disease) * [Psoriasis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/psoriasis) * [Sexual Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sexual-health) * [Ulcerative Colitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/program/investigating-ulcerative-colitis) * [Women's Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/womens-health) * Health Products Health Products [All](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews) * [Nutrition & Fitness](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/nutrition-and-fitness-products) * [Vitamins & Supplements](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/vitamin-and-supplement-products) * [CBD](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/cbd-products) * [Sleep](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/sleep-products) * [Mental Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/mental-health-services-and-products) * [At-Home Testing](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/at-home-testing-products) * [Men’s Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/mens-health-products) * [Women’s Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/products-and-reviews/womens-health-products) * Discover News * [Latest News](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/news) * [Medicare 2026 Costs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medicare-costs-3-key-changes-in-2026) Original Series * [Medical Myths](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content-series/medical-myths) * [Honest Nutrition](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content-series/honest-nutrition) * [Through My Eyes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content-series/through-my-eyes) * [New Normal Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content-series/new-normal-health) Podcasts [All](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/in-conversation-podcast) * [ADHD in women: Breaking the stereotypes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-women-breaking-stereotypes-masking-attention-disorder) * [Is sleep the missing piece in mental health?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-sleep-the-missing-piece-in-mental-health) * [Artificial sweeteners and brain aging: What we know so far](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/artificial-sweeteners-and-brain-aging-what-we-know-so-far) * [Does the Mediterranean diet hold the key to longevity?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-the-mediterranean-diet-hold-the-key-to-longevity) * [AMA: Registered dietitian answers 5 key questions about fiber and weight loss](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-fiber-help-lose-weight-dietitian-answers-5-key-questions) * [Health misinformation and disinformation: How to avoid it](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/health-misinformation-and-disinformation-how-to-avoid-it) * Tools General Health * [Drugs A-Z](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/drugs) * [Health Hubs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/content-hubs) * [Newsletter](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/newsletter) * [Medicare Plans by State](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/health-medicare-state-coverage) Health Tools * [Find a Doctor](https://connect.medicalnewstoday.com/) * [BMI Calculators and Charts](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323586) * [Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327077) * [Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316898) * [Sleep Calculator](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sleep-calculator) Quizzes * [RA Myths vs Facts](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/science-fact-or-fiction-separating-ra-myths-from-facts#1) * [Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-blood-sugar-type-2-diabetes-quiz#1) * [Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/complementary-therapies-for-as-quiz#1) * Connect About Medical News Today * [Who We Are](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about) * [Our Editorial Process](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process) * [Content Integrity](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/content-integrity) * [Conscious Language](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/conscious-language) Find Community * [Bezzy Breast Cancer](https://www.bezzybc.com/lp/2/?verzenio&utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) * [Bezzy MS](https://www.bezzyms.com/?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) * [Bezzy Migraine](https://www.bezzymigraine.com/?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) * [Bezzy Psoriasis](https://www.bezzypsoriasis.com/?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=nav-bar-connect) Follow Us [](https://www.facebook.com/MedicalNewsToday/)[](https://x.com/mnt)[](https://www.instagram.com/medicalnewstoday/)[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mednewstoday/?originalSubdomain=ec)[](https://flipboard.com/@MedNewsToday) Subscribe Explore more in NSCLC * Causes & Risk Factors * Complications * Diagnosis * Management * Prognosis * Stages * Treatment * Types NSCLC Related Topics * Causes & Risk Factors Causes & Risk Factors Related Articles * [Prevalence](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/prevalence-of-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Demographics](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-demographics) * [Gene Mutations](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mutations-in-nsclc) * [BRAF Mutations](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/braf-mutations-and-non-small-cell-lung-cancers) * Complications Complications Related Articles * [Hyponatremia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-hyponatremia) * [COVID-19](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nsclc-and-covid-19) * [Brain Metastasis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-metastasis-to-brain-prognosis) * Diagnosis Diagnosis Related Articles * [Tumor Markers](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-tumor-markers) * [Genetic Testing](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nsclc-testing) * [Diagnosis Overview](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-diagnosis) * Management Management Related Articles * [Mental Health](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-mental-health-with-lung-cancer) * [Early Palliative Care](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/early-palliative-care-for-patients-with-metastatic-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Palliative and Respite Care](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-palliative-respite-care) * Prognosis Prognosis Related Articles * [How Quickly Does it Spread?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-fast-lung-cancer-spreads) * [Outlook Overview](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-prognosis) * Stages Stages Related Articles * [Stage 2 NSCLC](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stage-2-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Advanced Stage](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/advanced-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * Treatment Treatment Related Articles * [Tagrisso (osimertinib)](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-tagrisso) * [Radiation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/radiation-therapy-for-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Gene Therapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-gene-therapy) * [Alecensa](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alecensa) * [Tabrecta](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-tabrecta) * [Lumakras](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-lumakras) * [Augtyro](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-augtyro) * [Rybrevant](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-rybrevant) * [Stem Cell Therapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stem-cell-therapy-for-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Gilotrif](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-gilotrif) * [Medication](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-medication) * [Alunbrig](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-alunbrig) * [Checkpoint Inhibitors](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/treating-nsclc-with-checkpoint-inhibitors) * [Cemiplimab](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cemiplimab-nsclc) * [Photodynamic Therapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/photodynamic-therapy-for-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Systemic Therapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/systemic-therapy-for-stage-iv-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Treatment Overview](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer-treatment) * Types Types Related Articles * [Metastatic NSCLC](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/metastatic-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Squamous NSCLC](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/squamous-nsclc) * [ALK NSCLC](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alk-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Adenocarcinoma NSCLC](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adenocarcinoma-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [In Children](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pediatric-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) * [Types Overview](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-non-small-cell-lung-cancer) # Pope Leo lung cancer diagnosis: What to know about lung adenocarcinoma ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Maria_Cohut.png?w=105&h=105) Written by Maria Cohut, Ph.D. on October 14, 2026 — Fact checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. ![photo of Pope Leo XIV](https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/pope_leo-header-1296x728-1-1024x575.jpg)[Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fpope-leo-lung-cancer-diagnosis-what-know-about-lung-adenocarcinoma&media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2026%2F10%2Fpope_leo-header-1296x728-1-1024x575.jpg&description=Pope%20Leo%20has%20lung%20adenocarcinoma%3A%20Lung%20cancer%20FAQs%20answered "Share on Pinterest")Pope Leo XIV holds the Sunday Angelus prayer from his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square on October 11, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican.(Photo by Elisabetta Trevisan – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images) * **Pope Leo XIV received a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.** * **Doctors removed the growth, found on the Pope’s right lung, during a scheduled surgical procedure, and there were no complications.** * **Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer.** * **Robert Van Haren, MD, associate professor of clinical surgery in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, explains the ABCs of lung adenocarcinoma for _Medical News Today_.** Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, received a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a scheduled surgical intervention. [The intervention](https://www.reuters.com/world/pope-leo-spent-peaceful-night-hospital-after-surgery-vatican-says-2026-10-14/) took place at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, after the pontiff’s medical team discovered a growth during a routine health check that they decided to remove and examine. According to a [press release](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2026/10/13/261013b.html) published by the Holy See press office, during the procedure, doctors removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung “using a video-assisted technique.” “The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of [lung adenocarcinoma](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adenocarcinoma-lung), as suspected by the pre-operative tests,” the press release stated. Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common form of [non-small cell lung cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-small-cell-lung-cancer), which accounts for [approximately 85%Trusted Source](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lung-cancer) of all lung cancers globally. According to the Holy See press release, Pope Leo’s operation, which lasted 90 minutes, went well, there were no complications, and the pontiff is currently recovering. ## What should you know about lung adenocarcinoma? To find out more about this type of lung cancer — how it gets diagnosed, treatment options, and prognosis — _Medical News Today_ spoke with [Robert Van Haren](https://med.uc.edu/landing-pages/profile?view=Pubs&subview=vanharrm), MD, a University of Cincinnati Cancer Center physician researcher and associate professor of clinical surgery in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. ### Disclaimer Please note that the information below is general information about lung adenocarcinoma, and it is not intended as specific commentary on Pope Leo XIV’s or any other person’s individual case of lung cancer. ### How is lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed? “Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for [approximately 40%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519578/) of cases,” said Van Haren. “It is often first detected as a small nodule or abnormality on a [CT scan](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153201) of the chest,” he explained. “If the finding is suspicious, additional testing may include a [PET scan](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154877), a [biopsy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174043), or surgery to remove the nodule and examine it under a microscope.” “One of the most important things to understand is that lung cancer can develop without causing any symptoms,” Van Haren emphasized. “Many early-stage lung cancers are discovered incidentally on imaging performed for another reason or through lung cancer screening. Detecting these cancers early, before they spread, gives patients the best opportunity for successful treatment,” he added. ### Are there specific symptoms to look out for? “Unfortunately, early-stage lung cancer frequently causes no symptoms, which is one of the reasons it can be difficult to detect,” Van Haren reiterated. **Nevertheless, he noted that “when symptoms do develop, they may include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue.”** “These symptoms can also occur with many other conditions, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a physician,” he advised. “The most important message is that people should not wait until they develop symptoms to think about lung cancer screening,” stressed the expert. “Screening with a low-dose CT scan can identify lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage in people who meet the [eligibility criteria](https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/lung-screening-pdq),” he noted. ## Who is most at risk of developing lung adenocarcinoma? “Cigarette smoking remains the most important risk factor for lung cancer. However, lung adenocarcinoma is also the most common type of lung cancer diagnosed in [people who have never smokedTrusted Source](https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/nonsmokers/index.html),” Van Haren told _MNT_. “Other risk factors include increasing age, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, air pollution, certain occupational exposures, and a family history of lung cancer,” he added. > “An important point is that anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, including people who have never smoked. Although smoking remains the leading risk factor, we are increasingly recognizing lung cancer in individuals without a history of tobacco use.” > — Robert Van Haren, MD “For individuals at higher risk, particularly those between ages 50 and 80 with a significant smoking history, annual low-dose CT screening is recommended when they meet established eligibility criteria,” he advised. ### How is this form of lung cancer treated? “Treatment depends primarily on the stage of the cancer, meaning its size, location, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs,” the medical expert explained. “For patients diagnosed with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, surgery is often the preferred treatment and can be curative,” he said. Van Haren also added that “advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, allow us to remove lung cancers through small incisions, frequently resulting in less postoperative pain and faster recovery.” “Some patients may also benefit from [chemotherapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chemotherapy), [immunotherapy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/immunotherapy), or [targeted therapies](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-cancer-therapy), depending on the stage and molecular characteristics of their cancer,” he noted. “Patients who cannot undergo surgery may be candidates for highly focused [radiation treatment](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-radiation-therapy).” ### What is the general prognosis after a lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis? “The prognosis varies considerably based on the stage at diagnosis,” said Van Haren. “Patients with early-stage lung cancer can have an excellent prognosis, and many can be cured with surgery,” he noted. “In contrast, cancers diagnosed after they have spread are more difficult to treat, although advances in systemic therapies have significantly improved outcomes,” he told us. For anyone concerned they may be at risk of developing lung cancer, the first port of call should always be speaking directly to a doctor. * [Lung Cancer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/lung-cancer) * [Cancer / Oncology](https://www.medicalnewstod
## Related Clinical Research

- [Daraxonrasib shows activity in RAS‑mutant NSCLC after FDA approval in pancreatic cancer](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-pancreatic-cancer-drug-may-also-help-fight-treatment-resistant-lung-cancer.md)
- [Carbon monoxide exposure may explain lower Parkinson's risk linked to smoking](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-why-smokers-may-have-a-lower-parkinson-s-risk-it-s-not-the-nicotine.md)
- [Climate change worsens health for people with chronic illness](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/stat-news-1-opinion-climate-change-is-making-people-with-chronic-illness-even-sicker.md)
- [GSK Highlights Lung Cancer Data From Two Drugs — STAT+ Briefing](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/stat-news-0-stat-gsk-touts-lung-cancer-data-from-two-drugs.md)
- [Bupropion Hydrochloride for Improving Recovery in Acute Ischaemic Stroke: BASE Trial Protocol](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/bmj-open-4-protocol-for-base-a-multicentre-double-blind-randomised-controlled-trial-of.md)

## Navigation
- [← Back to Oncology Feed](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/oncology.md)
- [← All Clinical Specialties](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed.md)
## Medical & Regulatory Disclaimer

> [!CAUTION]
> MedicHelpline content is structured for research, educational, and professional discovery purposes. It does not constitute individual medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
> Always verify dosing, contraindications, and regulatory alerts against official product labeling and primary regulatory sources before clinical decision-making.