Faithful pray for Pope Leo after lung cancer diagnosis

The faithful recited prayers here at Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday. In a statement, the Vatican announced that the pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer, but had successful surgery that took around 90 minutes. To ensure the procedure was radical, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed. After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of observation to his room on the 10th floor. According to a Vatican source, further tests are being carried out to check if the cancer spread. Leo had been admitted for surgery to remove a growth that medics had discovered in a recent routine check-up. On Tuesday, some well-wishers outside the hospital voiced worries over the 71-year-old's health. I'm concerned because he's still quite young and I wasn't expecting this. I'm concerned about the Pope's hospitalisation. However, the Holy Father is in very good hands here at the hospital. It marks the pontiff's first hospitalisation since he was named head of the Catholic Church in May 2025. Earlier this week, the Vatican announced he is expected to stay in hospital for around a week and that his schedule has been cleared until the 20th of October. Leo is due to make a visit to South America in November. It's not currently clear what will happen if he's forced into a lengthier recovery.