Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery in Rome after doctors discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung during a recent medical examination, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff is expected to be admitted to the Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, where doctors will remove the growth. The Vatican said his hospital stay and recovery are expected to last about a week.
Pope Reveals Lung Condition
Pope Leo personally announced the planned operation during his Sunday Angelus in St Peter’s Square on October 11.
He said doctors had found a “small, localized nodule” during recent medical examinations and that it had been detected at a very early stage and was well localized. After receiving medical advice, he decided to undergo surgery to remove it.
The Vatican has stressed that the nodule was discovered during routine checks and that there was no particular medical problem that prompted the examination. It has not disclosed whether the growth is benign or malignant.
Surgery to Take Place at Gemelli Hospital
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that Pope Leo will be admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic late Tuesday morning.
The hospital has a dedicated papal suite and has treated previous popes, including Pope John Paul II. The exact timing of the operation has not been publicly announced, but the Vatican expects the pontiff to spend approximately one week recovering in hospital.
The surgery will also temporarily change the Pope’s public schedule. His public engagements have been canceled through October 20 to allow for his hospitalization and recovery.
Cardinal Tagle to Lead Mass
Pope Leo was scheduled to preside over Mass in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday, October 14, but he will no longer be able to attend because of the surgery.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the newly elected dean of the College of Cardinals, will celebrate the Mass in his place. Vatican officials said prayers for the Pope’s health will be offered during the service.
The Vatican has also delayed the release of the conclusions of a major meeting on family ministry so that Pope Leo can hear the findings and offer his reflections after his recovery.
No Cancer Diagnosis Announced
The Vatican has not said that Pope Leo has cancer. A lung nodule is a small localized growth, and such nodules can have different causes.
Doctors discovered the Pope’s nodule early, and the decision to remove it was based on their medical recommendation. Its precise nature is expected to become clearer following further medical assessment.
Christian leaders and Catholic communities around the world have already offered prayers and messages of support for the pontiff ahead of the procedure. Vatican News reported that church leaders have been praying for Pope Leo and the medical team that will perform the operation.
Despite the upcoming surgery, Pope Leo maintained a full schedule on Monday, October 12, holding several meetings at the Vatican before his hospitalization.
The Pope is scheduled to undertake a major pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. No cancellation of that trip has been announced at this stage.
