Pope Leo Undergoes Lung Nodule Surgery at Rome Hospital

Pope Leo undergoes lung nodule surgery in Rome. Details on his health, travel plans, and medical team.

October 13, 2026 2 Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Rome, Italy — Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday for an operation to remove a lung nodule, marking the first major public health issue of his 17-month papacy.

The 71-year-old American pontiff arrived at the hospital after a short drive from the Vatican and greeted well-wishers outside the main entrance. The procedure, scheduled later in the afternoon, will be led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon.

Leo disclosed the presence of the nodule during his Sunday noon prayer, choosing to have it removed promptly to avoid disrupting his planned travel to Latin America. The Vatican has canceled all audiences through October 20, with the pope expected to remain hospitalized for a week following the surgery.

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Cardinal Kikuchi Tsutomu, who met with Leo on Monday, reported that the pope felt fine and emphasized the decision was not urgent. He noted that the surgery would allow Leo to proceed with his upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, which spans over 19,000 miles across 12 flights and two helicopter rides.

This is the second time Leo has been hospitalized, though he is known for maintaining an active lifestyle, including regular tennis and swimming. His health history includes a typhoid fever in 1985 while serving as a missionary in Peru, a moment he described as pivotal in shaping his spiritual path.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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