Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer and recovering after surgery

Pope Leo is recovering in Rome's Gemelli Hospital after surgery that confirmed lung cancer and removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has said.

The 71-year-old announced on Sunday during the traditional Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square that recent medical checks had found a localised nodule on his lung. He described it as very early stage and well contained, and said doctors had advised an operation to remove it. He thanked people for their prayers and asked for spiritual support.

Pope Leo was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital, where crowds gathered to greet him. The Vatican said the operation was scheduled for the coming days and estimated recovery at about a week.

The operation took place on Tuesday afternoon. The Vatican later said the surgery was successful and there were no complications. Pope Leo was in the operating room for about three hours, with the procedure itself lasting around 90 minutes. Surgeons removed the entire lower lobe of his right lung, using minimally invasive techniques that included video assistance and robotic tools. The Vatican said the more radical removal was intended to ensure that no malignant tissue was left behind.

Tests confirmed that the growth was pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The Vatican said the diagnosis had been suspected in pre-operative tests. The Pope woke normally after surgery and returned to his room on the 10th floor. He was later reported to be up and about, asking for dinner, and had a tranquil night.

The 71-year-old had no previously known health problems and was considered fit and active. He was elected about 18 months ago. This is the first health scare of his papacy.

The Vatican has not said whether the cancer has spread. Further tests are being carried out and results could take several days. It is also not yet known whether the Pope will need more treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. He is expected to remain in hospital for at least a week. All audiences and engagements have been cancelled until at least 20 October.

Questions remain over a planned trip to South America. Pope Leo is due to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 November over 11 days. The Vatican has not said whether the trip will go ahead. The Pope himself had sounded as though he still planned to travel.

King Charles, who is also being treated for cancer, has sent his best wishes and is expected to write privately to the Pope. Italy's prime minister expressed closeness and support. Catholics in Rome and around the world have been praying, with a mass at St Peter's led by a senior cardinal in the Pope's absence. One cardinal described the news as a bolt from the blue, while others took reassurance from the Pope's calm public message.