Pope Leo undergoes successful surgery to remove lung nodule, Vatican says
Pope Leo XIV had an operation Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli hospital to remove a lung nodule. The Vatican said it went as planned and that he returned to his room afterward.
The 71-year-old pontiff had announced the nodule during a Sunday prayer, calling attention to a health issue not previously disclosed during his 17-month papacy. He entered the hospital through its main entrance and greeted people waiting outside.
The surgery was led by Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora. Hospital staff prayed for Leo and other patients as the procedure began.
Doctors not involved in Leo’s care said the outlook could be very good if the nodule is cancerous, because it was found early. The article does not report whether the nodule is cancerous or provide details of the operation.
Leo is expected to stay in hospital for a week. The Vatican has canceled his audiences through Oct. 20 and said it will provide more information later. He is staying in a nearby room because the hospital’s papal apartment is being renovated.
Key points
- The Vatican reported that Leo’s lung nodule surgery was completed successfully.
- The nodule’s cancer status has not been reported; outside specialists described early removal as encouraging.
- Leo is expected to remain at Gemelli for a week, with audiences canceled through Oct. 20.