Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Despite Never Smoking

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The pope, who has never smoked, was suspected of having a malignant lung nodule during pre‑operative testing. An oncologist from Moffitt Cancer Center noted that while 80% of lung cancers occur in smokers, a significant minority—about 10% of men and 25% of women—develop the disease without smoking. Early‑stage disease, which the pope’s surgery suggests, carries a high cure rate of roughly 90%. Experts highlighted that genetic mutations such as EGFR T790M and environmental exposures like diesel exhaust and radon can elevate risk in never‑smokers. The case underscores the importance of screening and awareness that lung cancer can affect non‑smokers, especially when risk factors are present.