By Asaye Bankole
Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, for surgery to remove a nodule discovered in his lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff, who became the head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, is undergoing his first hospitalisation since assuming the position.
The Vatican said the operation would be performed by a team of thoracic surgeons led by Professor Stefano Margaritora.
Pope Leo disclosed the discovery on Sunday during the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, explaining that doctors found the nodule at an early stage during routine medical examinations and recommended surgery.
Despite the development, senior Church officials said the pope remained calm and relaxed ahead of the procedure.
The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, told Italy’s ANSA news agency that the pontiff appeared composed when they met on Monday.
Japanese Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi also described him as relaxed and cheerful.
According to the Vatican, the pope’s recovery is expected to take about one week, prompting the cancellation of his scheduled audiences until October 20.
Medical experts say pulmonary nodules are often benign, although some may indicate cancer. Thoracic surgery expert Marco Scarci told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the procedure was not particularly risky and expressed confidence in the pope’s recovery.
Professor Federico Venuta, a thoracic surgery specialist in Rome, added that the outlook could remain favourable even if the nodule proved cancerous, given its reported early detection.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds Pope Leo’s planned South American visit from November 6 to 17, during which he is expected to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
Medical advice on when he can resume air travel will depend on the operation and his recovery.
The Vatican has not announced any changes to the planned trip.
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