Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The Vatican confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff will undergo surgery on Tuesday to remove a nodule from his lung. The operation aims to determine whether the nodule is cancerous.
The Vatican noted that early detection gives an excellent prognosis if the growth proves malignant. The pontiff will be placed under general anesthesia for the procedure. Following the operation, he is expected to remain in the hospital for about a week. As a result, all of his engagements have been cancelled through October 20.
Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.
Despite the impending surgery and hospital stay, the Vatican indicated that the pope is likely to keep a planned trip to South America in November.
As a result, all of his engagements have been cancelled through October 20.
The announcement marks a shift toward greater transparency about the pontiff’s health compared to previous popes.
JUST IN: Pope Leo XIV departed the Vatican on Tuesday for a hospital in Rome, where he's scheduled to undergo an operation to remove a nodule from his lung. Read more: https://t.co/dmEcUIbr5N