Pope Leo XIV is recovering in a Rome hospital after undergoing a successful operation to remove a small lung nodule, the Vatican has announced. The 71-year-old pontiff is expected to suspend public engagements until October 20, 2026, to allow him time to recuperate.
The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday evening, October 13, that the procedure was completed successfully and that the pope had returned to his hospital room at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in northwest Rome.
Key Highlights
- Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove a lung nodule.
- The Vatican says the pontiff has returned to his hospital room.
- The pope has suspended public engagements until October 20 to recover.
- Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expresses confidence in the pope’s recovery.
- The Vatican has not disclosed the exact nature of the lung growth or reported any post-operative complications.
- Catholic faithful and well-wishers around the world have offered prayers and messages of support.
Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Nodule Detected Early
The operation followed the pope’s disclosure during his Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Square that doctors had discovered a lung nodule and recommended surgery to remove it.
Leo said the growth was detected at an early stage and was well-contained.
Lung nodules are small growths that may be benign, although some require further medical investigation to determine their nature. The Vatican has not released additional details about the findings or confirmed whether the growth was cancerous.
The hospital admission is the first of Leo’s pontificate.
The Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic is a major medical facility in Rome that has treated senior leaders of the Catholic Church.
Pope Cancels Public Engagements Until October 20
Following the operation, Pope Leo XIV has suspended his public engagements until October 20 to allow time for recovery.
A Vatican spokesman had earlier indicated that the pontiff would need approximately one week to recuperate from the procedure.
Dr Matthew Triplette, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, explained that some procedures to remove lung nodules are minimally invasive and may involve relatively low risks of complications.
Patients may spend several days in hospital before continuing their recovery at home, although the recovery period depends on the procedure performed and the individual’s condition.
The Vatican has not reported any complications following the pope’s surgery.
Vatican Activities to Continue During Pope’s Recovery
The pope’s hospitalisation is not expected to halt routine administrative activities at the Vatican, which are managed by established officials and departments.
However, matters requiring Leo’s personal attention or signature may be delayed until he is able to resume his duties.
The Catholic Church has no automatic mechanism that transfers papal authority to another person simply because a pope is temporarily incapacitated. Pope Leo XIV therefore remains the pontiff during his hospitalisation.
Previous popes, including Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II, continued to issue official documents and statements during periods of hospital treatment.
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Cardinal Parolin Expresses Confidence in Pope’s Recovery
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has expressed confidence in Leo’s recovery, saying the early discovery of the lung growth was encouraging.
Speaking to Italian media on Tuesday, Parolin said Catholic clergy were praying for the pope’s health.
He described Leo’s calmness when announcing the planned procedure as reassuring, although he acknowledged that the need for surgery had come as a surprise.
Parolin also disclosed that he visited the pontiff on Monday evening, when they discussed the situation.
Catholics Around the World Pray for Pope Leo XIV
News of the operation has prompted messages of goodwill and prayers from Catholics and other well-wishers around the world.
Paul Kavulich, a visitor from Chicago, the pope’s hometown, expressed hope that the operation would be successful. He was visiting Rome on a pilgrimage with his daughter when he commented on the development.
According to the Vatican press office, the lung growth was discovered during routine medical examinations.
Leo, the first American to become pope, is known to enjoy physical activities, including swimming and playing tennis. No additional details about his medical history have been made public in the announcement concerning the surgery.
The Vatican is expected to provide further updates on the pope’s condition as he continues his recovery.
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