Pope Leo XIV Has Surgery to Remove Lung Growth
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer. The Vatican announced that he had surgery on Tuesday in Rome, Italy.
Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The New York Times reported that they first found a cancerous nodule.
The Vatican said the surgery was successful and had no complications. The pope woke normally and returned to his hospital room.
Before the surgery, Pope Leo said doctors found a small lung nodule. Doctors advised him to have it removed.
The New York Times also reported on lung cancer survival. The survival rate is high if caught in early stages.
Klear Note — A lung nodule is a small growth that doctors test for cancer. The lower lobe is one section of the lung.
Key Terms 3
- Vatican Small independent state in Rome where the pope lives and works.
- lobe A separate section of the lung.
- nodule A small lump or spot found in the body.