Pope Leo had a lower lobe of his right lung removed during surgery on Tuesday and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin. The surgery was successful and the pope is expected to spend a week in hospital recovering. The 71-year-old pontiff is due to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on November 6, though the Vatican has not confirmed the operation date.
"The procedure was successfully completed, within the expected time and in the planned manner, and the Holy Father has returned to his room," the Vatican press office said on Telegram.
