Pop Leo XIV has been admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, for surgery to remove a small growth on his lung, marking the first major health concern of his pontificate, which began in May 2025.
The 71-year-old pontiff was admitted on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors discovered a small, localised lung nodule during recent medical examinations. The procedure is expected to remove the growth, which the Pope said was detected at an early stage.
According to reports, the surgery is scheduled to take place on Tuesday afternoon, with the Vatican indicating that the pontiff could remain in the hospital for approximately one week to recover.
Pope Leo disclosed the development during his weekly Angelus prayer at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, explaining that his doctors had recommended surgery as the best course of action.
“The doctors believe it is advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it,” the Pope said.
The Vatican has not confirmed whether the growth is cancerous, and further medical assessment will be needed to determine its nature.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that may be benign or malignant. Such growths are sometimes discovered during routine medical examinations, and their removal can help doctors establish a definitive diagnosis.
The Pope’s hospitalisation has also led to changes in his official schedule, with public engagements cancelled through October 20 to allow for his treatment and recovery.
Despite the health concern, Pope Leo has expressed confidence in his medical team and has indicated his intention to proceed with a planned pastoral visit to South America in November, which is expected to include Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Elected in May 2025 as the first American-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV leads a global Catholic community of approximately 1.4 billion faithful.
His condition is expected to remain under medical observation as he undergoes the procedure and begins his recovery.
