Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove a small, localised nodule from his lung, with the Vatican confirming that the procedure was completed successfully at a hospital in Rome, Italy.
The operation took place on October 13, 2026, at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic, where the pontiff was taken for treatment following medical examinations that identified the abnormality.
The Holy See Press Office said the procedure went according to plan and that the Pope had returned to his hospital room, although further details about his condition were not immediately released.
HOW DOCTORS DISCOVERED THE NODULE
The Pope disclosed on October 11 that doctors had detected a small, localised nodule in one of his lungs during recent medical examinations.
According to the report, medical professionals recommended its removal after identifying the abnormality at an early stage.
He announced the planned operation at the conclusion of his Sunday Angelus address in St Peter’s Square, while thanking the faithful for their prayers and support.
WHAT THE VATICAN SAID ABOUT THE OPERATION
The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the surgery had been completed successfully, with the pontiff returning to his room after the procedure.
“The surgery was completed successfully, within the expected timeframe and as planned, and the Holy Father has returned to his room.
“Further information will follow,” the statement said.
The Vatican did not immediately publish additional clinical information, including findings that could establish the nature of the lung nodule.
WHY GEMELLI HOSPITAL IS SIGNIFICANT
The operation was performed at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome, a medical facility that has treated several popes, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.
The procedure was intended to remove the nodule identified during the Pope’s medical assessment, but no publicly released pathology report had established whether the tissue was benign or malignant.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue within the lung that can develop for different reasons and is not necessarily cancerous.
Without further medical findings, it would be premature to conclude that the Pope has cancer or any other specific disease.
WILL THE SURGERY AFFECT HIS SCHEDULE?
The Pope was expected to remain in hospital for observation and recovery following the operation, while reports indicated that his public engagements had been cancelled through October 20.
His planned apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17 was still expected to proceed, subject to his recovery and any further medical advice.
The Vatican’s subsequent updates will be important in establishing whether the pontiff can resume his usual duties and undertake the planned international trip.
THE POPE’S APPEAL FOR PRAYERS
Before the operation, Pope Leo XIV spoke publicly about his medical condition, allowing Catholics and other observers to learn about the planned procedure directly from him.
Cardinal Michael Czerny, speaking to EWTN News, described the Pope’s openness as an expression of humility and truth.
The Vatican said further information about the pontiff’s condition would be released as appropriate, leaving his recovery and any additional medical findings to determine the next steps.
For now, the confirmed information is that the surgery was completed successfully and the Pope returned to his hospital room, with no publicly disclosed pathology results establishing the nature of the nodule.
