Pope shares first message after lung cancer diagnosis; brother also battling cancer

Pope Leo XIV recently shared his first message following a successful surgery for lung cancer earlier this week. The pontiff underwent a 90-minute procedure on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Rome, where doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after diagnosing him with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The Vatican reported that the surgery was without complications and that the Pope is recovering as expected, engaging in respiratory physiotherapy, walking, and maintaining a regular diet.

In his message, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the prayers he has received and requested continued spiritual support from Catholics. His public appearances have been canceled until October 20 to facilitate his recovery.

Adding to the family's health challenges, the Pope's older brother, Louis Prevost, is also battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Prevost was initially diagnosed in 2017 and recently experienced a relapse, now undergoing treatment as part of a clinical trial. The family has a history of cancer.