Pope Leo, 71, has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday.
Tests performed after the operation identified lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The Vatican said the procedure "concluded successfully, on schedule and as planned" in Rome.
The pontiff's diagnosis marks a significant health challenge for the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican provided no further details about his prognosis, treatment plan or expected recovery timeline.