Pope Leo’s Lung Surgery Succeeds as Nodule Raises Health Questions

Pope Leo’s Lung Surgery Succeeds as Nodule Raises Health Questions

Pope Leo XIV has undergone successful surgery to remove a small lung nodule, the Vatican announced, as doctors work to determine the nature of the growth and whether further treatment will be necessary.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted earlier in the day for the operation.

In a statement released several hours after the surgery, the Vatican confirmed that the procedure had been completed successfully within the expected timeframe and according to plan.

Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at the hospital, led the medical team responsible for the operation.

However, the Vatican did not disclose further details about the procedure or the results of examinations conducted on the lung growth.

The lung nodule was discovered during a recent medical check-up, with Pope Leo revealing its existence on Sunday.

Although the growth was detected early, its nature remains unclear, making further medical assessment necessary.

A lung nodule is a small, localised area of abnormal tissue in the lung that may develop for several reasons.

Many nodules are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, while others may require additional investigation to determine whether cancer is present.

According to the American Thoracic Society, fewer than five per cent of lung nodules overall prove cancerous.

However, the level of risk depends on factors such as the patient’s age, the nodule’s size and appearance, and smoking history.

The operation is expected to help doctors establish the nature of Pope Leo’s lung nodule and determine whether additional treatment is required. The Vatican has not confirmed a cancer diagnosis.

Following the surgery, the Vatican said the pope was expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week to recover. His public engagements have been cancelled until October 20.

Pope Leo arrived at Gemelli Hospital shortly before 1 p.m. local time in a black sport utility vehicle after leaving the Vatican.

He greeted officials and acknowledged well-wishers gathered outside the facility before entering for treatment.

The surgery represents a significant health development during Leo’s 17-month papacy. Elected in May 2025, the 71-year-old pontiff has maintained a busy schedule and has not been widely associated with recent major health problems.

Attention has also turned to his planned South American tour, scheduled for November 6 to 17. The 11-day visit is expected to take him to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

Although the Vatican has not announced any changes to the itinerary, the timing of the surgery could give the pope an opportunity to recover before the international trip.

His medical progress will be important in determining whether the visit proceeds as scheduled.

Born Robert Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Leo spent decades working as a missionary and bishop in Peru before becoming leader of the Catholic Church.

His years of service in the country established strong ties that remain significant to his papacy.

The pope previously experienced a serious health challenge in 1985, when he contracted typhoid fever while serving as a young priest in Chulucanas, Peru.

He was hospitalised during the illness and later recalled how severe pain had led him to ask God to end his suffering.

In a subsequent interview published in a book by Penguin Peru, Leo said his survival strengthened his belief that he still had a purpose to fulfil on Earth.

He succeeded Pope Francis, who died in April 2025 at the age of 88 after experiencing several hospitalisations during his later years.

As the spiritual leader of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo holds a central position in the Church’s leadership.

Although no deputy automatically assumes the pope’s responsibilities during illness, the Vatican’s administrative operations continue while decisions requiring his personal approval may be delayed.

For now, attention remains on the pope’s recovery and the medical findings concerning the removed lung nodule.

The results should help clarify whether the growth requires further treatment and whether Leo can maintain his demanding schedule in the coming weeks.