Pope Leo admitted to hospital for operation to remove growth on lung
Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital to undergo a low-risk surgery to remove a small lung nodule. The procedure follows a routine check-up that detected the growth early, and the Vatican has suspended his public appointments until October 20.
Why it matters
As the first US-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the health of Pope Leo is a matter of significant global interest and potential impact on Vatican administration.
Pope Leo arrives at Gemelli hospital in Rome for surgery to remove a lung nodule, 13 October 2026. Pope Leo arrives at Gemelli hospital in Rome for surgery to remove a lung nodule, 13 October 2026. Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo admitted to hospital for operation to remove growth on lung Leo arrived at hospital on Tuesday for the surgery, which is deemed low risk and could take place this afternoon
Prefer the Guardian on Google Pope Leo has been admitted to hospital in Rome for an operation to remove a small growth from his lung, a discovery a top Vatican cardinal said had come “like a bolt out of the blue”.
In a rare moment of Vatican transparency, Leo, 71, said during his angelus prayer on Sunday that doctors had found a small nodule on his lung during a check-up , adding that it was “well-contained” and detected early.
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