Advertisement
Advertisement
Dr. Axe Wire · Celebrity & creator · health
Pope Leo XIV Issues First Message After Lung Cancer Surgery
The 71-year-old pontiff is recovering from surgery for adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, and asked for continued prayers.
TODAY reported on October 15, 2026, that Pope Leo XIV shared his first public message two days after undergoing surgery for adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
71years old
2days post-op
TODAY reported on October 15, 2026, that Pope Leo XIV, 71, is recovering two days after surgery for adenocarcinoma, described in the report as the most common form of lung cancer. NBC's Anne Thompson reported from Rome that the pontiff shared a first message expressing thanks for the outpouring of support he has received and asking the public to keep praying as he recovers. The report did not describe the treatment plan beyond the surgery, the stage of the cancer, or an expected recovery timeline.
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the glandular cells lining organs, and it is the most frequently diagnosed form of lung cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers. A public figure's health update like this one tends to draw wide attention to lung cancer detection and treatment generally, even though no information about how the diagnosis was made or how advanced it is has been disclosed.
Advertisement
grateful for the outpouring of support
The report does not state the stage of the cancer, the specific surgical procedure performed, or details about any additional treatment. Whether further treatment is planned was not addressed.
Dr. Axe’s Take
I'm glad to see the Pope up and sharing a message so soon after surgery. What I'd tell anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis or surgery is that recovery depends heavily on what happens in the weeks after the operating room: prioritizing protein intake to support tissue repair, gentle movement once a surgical team clears it, and stress reduction through prayer or meditation all support healing. I would never suggest skipping or delaying any part of a care team's treatment plan. My hope is for his full recovery, and I'll keep him in my own prayers.
— Dr. AxeStory summary
- Who
- Pope Leo XIV, 71
- Design
- Public health update reported by TODAY two days after surgery
- Primary result
- Recovering from surgery for adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer
- Secondary
- Shared first public message thanking supporters and asking for continued prayers
- Date
- Oct 15, 2026