Pope Leo XIV Admitted for Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Tuesday morning as he prepares for surgery to address a nodule found on his lung.

The 71-year-old Pope shared during the Angelus prayer on Sunday that doctors had identified a “localized nodule” in one of his lungs, necessitating abdominal surgery.

“The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed,” the Pope remarked in St. Peter’s Square.

Matteo Bruni, who directs the Holy See Press Office, mentioned that the Pope’s surgery is scheduled, and he will need about a week to recover afterward, which means all of his public audiences are canceled through October 20.

As for other events, like the Mass planned for Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square, Cardinals and other representatives from the Vatican will take over the proceedings.

On Tuesday morning, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin mentioned he spoke with the Pope the previous night. They had a “very calm” conversation. Parolin described the news of the nodule as startling for the Vatican but noted the Pope’s calm demeanor. “These are, as the Pope said, God’s surprises,” he added.

He expressed gratitude for the timely detection of the condition, which allows for intervention: “Normally, when these things are caught in time, they can be resolved.”

Parolin conveyed hope that they are at the beginning of this challenge and that it can be resolved quickly, reinforcing the Vatican’s support and prayers for the Pope.

Meanwhile, as reported by ANSA, preparations continue for the Pope’s upcoming visit to Latin America, scheduled for November 6-17, despite the health concerns. An official from the Uruguayan Catholic Church affirmed, “The itinerary for his Apostolic journey to Uruguay remains unchanged for now, and preparations to welcome him are continuing.”

Monsignor Jorge Eduardo Lozano, the Archbishop of San Juan, Argentina, shared that during discussions about the trip, the Pope did not express any hesitations about it.