Pope Leo XIV Has Early-Stage Lung Cancer — Surgery Successful, Vatican Says
The 71-year-old pope had part of his right lung removed on 13 October after doctors found a small, localised nodule. Christians of every tradition are being asked to pray
The short answer
According to The Christian Post, citing the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo XIV, 71, was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after doctors found a small, localised nodule detected at a very early stage. On 13 October 2026 the lower lobe of his right lung was removed by video-assisted thoracic surgery; the Vatican described the operation as successful with no complications. He is scheduled to hold no audiences until 20 October.
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, and the Vatican says surgery to remove it went well.
What the Vatican Said
According to The Christian Post, citing the Holy See Press Office, doctors found a small, localised nodule in the 71-year-old pope's lung during recent medical examinations. On 13 October, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a minimally invasive, video-assisted technique. Examination during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma — the most common type of lung cancer.
"Pope Leo XIV, 71, had early-stage lung cancer removed on 13 October; the Vatican says the surgery was successful with no complications. Christians of every tradition can pray for his full recovery."
Click to copy and shareThe procedure itself took about 90 minutes, with about three hours in the operating theatre in total. The Vatican described the surgery as successful, with no complications. The pope is scheduled to hold no audiences until 20 October.
In His Own Words
"During some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung," Leo said. "It was detected at a very early stage."
Why We're Asking Readers to Pray
Thy Kingdom News is not a Catholic publication, and our readers come from many traditions. But Scripture's instruction is simple: pray "for all people — for kings and all those in authority" (1 Timothy 2:1–2), and "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders… and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well" (James 5:14–15).
The head of the world's largest Christian communion is a 71-year-old man recovering from cancer surgery. That is reason enough to pray for his full healing, for his doctors, and for peace for those who look to him.
Pope Leo XIV, 71, had early-stage lung cancer removed on 13 October; the Vatican says the surgery was successful with no complications. Christians of every tradition can pray for his full recovery.
Biblical Perspective
Paul urged prayer "for all people — for kings and all those in authority" (1 Timothy 2:1–2). James tells the church to pray for the sick, promising that "the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up" (James 5:15). Psalm 41:3 promises: "The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."
"The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."
— Psalm 41:3 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Lord, we pray for Pope Leo XIV as he recovers from surgery. Bring complete healing to his body and keep the cancer from returning. Give wisdom and skill to his doctors, rest to his body and peace to his heart. Comfort all who are anxious for him, and draw Your church together in prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›The Lord sustains the sick and restores them!
- ›The prayer of faith is powerful and effective!
- ›We pray for all in authority, as Scripture commands!
Take Action
- 1Pray for Pope Leo XIV's full recovery this week.
- 2Pray for someone you know who is facing a cancer diagnosis.
- 3Encourage early medical check-ups — this cancer was caught early.
"Pope Leo XIV had early-stage lung cancer removed; the Vatican says surgery was successful. Join us in praying for his recovery."
Pray & Speak Life Over This Story
Don't just read — respond in faith. Click below to declare that you have prayed over this story and spoken life into it. Our prayers and words have power to change the world.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." — Proverbs 18:21
Your Prayers & Words Have Power
Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
Prayer Is Powerful — So Is Action.
You've prayed. Now take it further. Join or start an outreach group in your area and take the love of Jesus to the streets. Every act of love, every meal shared, every prayer prayed in person is the Kingdom advancing in your community.
"Faith without works is dead." — James 2:26
Questions people are asking
Does Pope Leo XIV have cancer?
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Yes. According to the Holy See Press Office, reported by The Christian Post, Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma after doctors found a small, localised nodule. The lower lobe of his right lung was removed on 13 October 2026.
How did Pope Leo XIV's surgery go?
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The Vatican described the video-assisted thoracic surgery on 13 October 2026 as successful with no complications. The pope is scheduled to hold no audiences until 20 October.
Sources & further reading
- 1.Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer; Vatican provides surgery updateThe Christian Post
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."
Psalm 41:3 (NIV)
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