How serious is Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis?

Oct 14, 2026, 3:00 AM3 min

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung at a Rome hospital. There are questions now about what this means for the 71-year-old pope's future, and how the Catholic Church handles leadership when a pope is incapacitated.

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung at a Rome hospital.
There are questions now about what this means for the 71-year-old pope's future, and how the Catholic Church handles leadership when a pope is incapacitated.

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