Pope Leo XIV’s Brother Discusses Surgery and Cancer Battle

Pope Leo XIV Recovers After Surgery as Brother Shares Family Concern

Pope Leo XIV is recovering from surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed a diagnosis of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma. His eldest brother, Louis Prevost, who is himself undergoing cancer treatment for multiple myeloma, spoke publicly about the family’s shock and relief following the procedure, according to an interview with Newsmax reported by Frankfurter Rundschau.

The 71-year-old pontiff publicly disclosed his condition on Sunday, October 11, 2026, informing the public of a lung nodule and the scheduled operation. The surgical procedure took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Gemelli-Klinik in Rome. Pathological examination during the operation identified the growth as an adenocarcinoma, though medical teams at the Vatican described the intervention as successful and without complications.

Family Shock and Parallel Cancer Treatment

The diagnosis arrived as a severe blow to the papal family, coming while Louis Prevost was already navigating his own medical battles. Louis Prevost, a U.S. Marine veteran residing in Florida, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017, according to details confirmed to CBS News and reported by Gala. Following a 2019 treatment that included a stem cell transplant, he experienced a recurrence approximately three months prior to the pope’s surgery and is currently participating in a clinical trial at a local hospital.

Despite the parallel diagnoses, family communication offered immediate reassurance. Louis Prevost did not speak directly with the pontiff on the evening of the operation, but received a text message from a close Vatican aide confirming that his brother was awake, comfortable, and pain-free. As far as I know so far, the pope is doing well. He is in the best of hands, Louis Prevost stated to Newsmax, as noted by Frankfurter Rundschau.

Hospital Recovery and Medical Milestones

Clinical updates issued by Vatican News indicate that the pontiff’s postoperative recovery is proceeding according to plan. Blood test results and chest radiographs remain within normal postoperative parameters. Medical staff administered respiratory physiotherapy, and Pope Leo XIV moved about his hospital room independently.

The pope’s other older brother, John Joseph Prevost, a retired Catholic school teacher and principal living in the Chicago area, joins the family in monitoring the situation from Illinois. Meanwhile, medical teams continue analyzing the tissue removed during the Gemelli Hospital procedure to determine subsequent therapeutic steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Papal Health Update

What exact medical procedure did Pope Leo XIV undergo?

Surgeons at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung on October 13, 2026. Subsequent tissue analysis during the operation confirmed the presence of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

How is Louis Prevost’s medical condition being treated?

Louis Prevost is being treated for multiple myeloma at a hospital in Florida. According to statements confirmed by his wife to CBS News, his care currently includes participation in a local clinical trial following a relapse.

What do medical bulletins say about the pope’s current recovery?

Vatican News reports that Pope Leo XIV is progressing well, having completed respiratory physiotherapy and walked independently in his hospital room while maintaining normal postoperative test results.

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