Pope Leo XIV was hospitalized in Rome on Tuesday morning ahead of surgery to remove a small, well-contained nodule from his lung, the Vatican press office confirmed. The 71-year-old pontiff arrived at Gemelli hospital late in the morning, with the procedure expected to take place later in the day.
The Vatican stated that doctors anticipate a recovery period of about one week, allowing Leo to proceed with his planned 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru starting November 6. All public audiences have been canceled until October 20, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will preside over a scheduled Mass on Wednesday in the pope’s absence.
Leo announced the surgery himself on Sunday, describing the nodule as detected early and localized. Medical experts noted that such nodules are often benign, with fewer than 5% proving cancerous, and that minimally invasive procedures like thoracoscopy are commonly used for removal. The hospital has implemented heightened security measures, including isolating the pope’s floor and using false names or codes for his medical records to prevent data leaks.
The operation marks the first significant health issue of Leo’s 17-month papacy. He had maintained a full schedule until Monday, when he canceled afternoon engagements but completed morning audiences.
