Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer as Brother Louis Prevost Battles Multiple Myeloma

Pope Leo XIV is recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after undergoing surgery that confirmed he has pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. The Vatican announced the diagnosis on October 13, 2026, following an operation to remove the lower lobe of the pontiff’s right lung.

The 71-year-old pope had been admitted to the hospital after doctors identified a localised lung nodule during medical examinations. Preoperative tests had raised concerns about the growth, and tissue testing during surgery confirmed the cancer diagnosis.

The Vatican reported that the operation was successful and took place without complications. On Wednesday, October 14, the Holy See Press Office said the pope had spent a calm night in hospital and was resting following the procedure.

However, officials have not yet disclosed the cancer’s stage or whether it has spread beyond the affected lung. Further medical assessments are expected to help determine whether additional treatment, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy, will be necessary.

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in glandular cells, often in the outer regions of the lungs. It is the most common subtype of lung cancer and can affect smokers as well as people who have never smoked.

Symptoms may include a persistent cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath or coughing up blood. In some cases, however, the disease develops without obvious symptoms and is discovered during medical imaging or routine examinations.

Treatment depends on factors such as the tumour’s size, its location, whether the cancer has spread and the patient’s overall health. Surgery can be an effective option when the cancer is localised. Additional treatment may be considered depending on the results of further tests.

In Pope Leo’s case, the Vatican has not announced a complete treatment plan beyond the surgery. His recovery and the findings from subsequent examinations will help clarify the next steps.

The pope’s diagnosis comes as his older brother, Louis Prevost, is also dealing with cancer. Louis’s wife, Deborah Prevost, told CBS News that he has multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Louis was first diagnosed in 2017. According to his wife, treatment in 2019—including stem cell treatment and participation in a clinical trial—helped keep the disease at a very low level for several years. However, he fell out of remission approximately three months ago and is now participating in another clinical trial at a local hospital.

His wife has not publicly disclosed the current stage of his illness. She said the family is going through a difficult period and is praying for both brothers.

The news about Louis emerged shortly after the Vatican confirmed the pope’s lung cancer diagnosis, drawing attention to the health challenges facing the Prevost family.

The immediate priority is the pope’s recovery following lung surgery. Doctors will need to assess the available test results before determining whether he requires further cancer treatment.

The Vatican had previously indicated that a hospital stay of about a week was expected. His medical condition may also affect his public schedule, with official engagements dependent on his recovery.

For now, there is no confirmed information about the cancer’s stage or the need for chemotherapy. Medical experts note that outcomes for lung adenocarcinoma vary considerably, particularly according to whether the disease is detected before it spreads.

As Pope Leo recuperates and Louis Prevost continues treatment, the family is facing two separate cancer diagnoses. The coming days are likely to bring further updates on the pontiff’s condition, while details of his brother’s treatment remain private.

The Vatican has urged attention to the pope’s recovery, but his longer-term prognosis will depend on medical findings that have not yet been made public.