Louis Prevost and Pope Leo XIV Disclosed Cancer Diagnoses
The two men have shared personal updates regarding their ongoing cancer care and recent surgical procedures.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cancer
Louis Prevost, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017, recently announced he is out of remission and currently participating in a clinical trial. Simultaneously, it was revealed that Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung following a lung cancer diagnosis.
Why it matters
Managing chronic or recurring cancer requires ongoing evaluation of treatment options, including the role of clinical trials in care plans. For patients, these updates highlight the importance of persistent monitoring and the necessity of discussing available experimental therapies with an oncology team.
Louis Prevost first received a multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2017, followed by stem cell treatment and a clinical trial in 2019. He remains currently enrolled in a clinical trial at a local hospital after experiencing a return of the disease.
The players
Louis Prevost
A patient living with multiple myeloma who is currently participating in a clinical trial to manage his condition.
Pope Leo XIV
The religious leader who recently underwent surgical treatment for lung cancer.
The details
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that accumulate in the bone marrow, often requiring treatments like stem cell transplants or ongoing clinical trials to manage disease progression. Lung cancer treatments for localized cases, such as those diagnosed in Pope Leo XIV, often involve the surgical removal of affected tissue, such as a lung lobe, to prevent further spread of the malignancy.
Timeline
2017: Louis Prevost was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
2019: Louis Prevost underwent stem cell treatment and a clinical trial.
July 2026: Louis Prevost fell out of remission.
October 6-12, 2026: Louis Prevost and Pope Leo XIV spoke.
October 13, 2026: Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery and health updates were shared.
Health Landscape
Clinical trials remain a critical component of the modern oncology landscape, offering pathways for patients when standard-of-care treatments fall short. These interventions continue to evolve alongside surgical oncology advancements like those seen in lung cancer management.
Patients with a history of cancer should remain diligent about their follow-up schedules and discuss any new symptoms with their healthcare providers. If your treatment plan is no longer achieving its goals, it is worth discussing the eligibility criteria for active clinical trials with your oncologist.
The takeaway
Ongoing cancer management often requires shifting strategies as the disease status changes over time. Always maintain an open dialogue with your primary care physician or specialist regarding new symptoms or shifts in your health status.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment standards and research developments, visit our Cancer section.
