Pope Leo XIV was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli medical center on Tuesday for a scheduled procedure to remove a lung nodule, a critical surgery to determine the nature of the lesion and potential further treatment requirements.
Arriving swiftly from the Vatican, Pope Leo walked into the hospital through the main entrance, acknowledging the numerous well-wishers who had gathered to show support. The Vatican disclosed that the operation would be conducted later in the day by a team headed by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon.
The 71-year-old American pontiff has been notably transparent about the first major health issue of his papacy, announcing the discovery of the localized nodule during his Sunday noon prayer and the decision to proceed with its removal.
Typically performed under general anesthesia, the surgery will necessitate a week-long hospitalization, leading the Vatican to cancel all of Leo’s scheduled engagements until October 20.
Dr. Lorenzo Spaggiari, director of thoracic surgery at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, who is not directly involved in the pope’s treatment, expressed optimism about the clinical situation based on Leo’s statements.
Leo, elected in May 2025, is relatively youthful for a Church leader, known for his active lifestyle and absence of previous health concerns. Lung nodules, small lesions that can be benign, are often non-cancerous according to the American Thoracic Society.
Dr. Federico Venuto, chief of thoracic surgery at Rome’s Policlinico Umberto I hospital, highlighted the minimally invasive nature of lung nodule removal procedures, often involving the use of a thoracoscope camera tube.
The nodule’s discovery during routine checks prompted the decision for surgery, with additional tests likely conducted before the recommendation for the operation.
Anticipating a recovery period post-surgery, the Vatican specified that the pope’s travel plans to South America in November could still proceed pending medical advice and recovery progress.
Tokyo Cardinal Kikuchi Tsutomu, who met with Leo before the surgery, conveyed the pope’s positive outlook and determination to maintain his travel commitments.
In light of the upcoming trip’s demanding itinerary and considerable travel distances, medical experts express confidence in Gemelli’s ability to ensure the pope’s well-being for the foreseeable future.
