« Nous aimons le Pape, nous voulons être proches de lui. » These words from a Roman resident waiting outside the Gemelli University Hospital captured the public sentiment as Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery. The pontiff, 71, was hospitalized following the discovery of a pulmonary nodule, a development that has prompted a transparent approach to papal health, Paris Match reported.
A Break With Tradition on the Pulmonary Nodule
Pope Leo XIV broke with tradition on October 13 by announcing his impending hospitalization during the weekly Sunday Angelus.
While his predecessor, John Paul II, mentioned his own hospitalization in 1992, he did so in Polish without disclosing the nature of the condition. In contrast, Leo XIV provided clear details regarding the pulmonary nodule, a move one Vatican collaborator described as “American-style” transparency. Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, the Archbishop of Tokyo, noted that the Pope’s openness was a display of wisdom to prevent unnecessary speculation regarding the future of the papacy.
Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery at Gemelli Hospital
Upon arriving at the Gemelli University Hospital on October 16, the Pope entered through the main entrance, greeting well-wishers before checking in.
The medical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora of thoracic surgery, and supported by the Vatican’s health minister, Dr. Luigi Carbone. The surgical team utilized video-assisted thoracic surgery to remove the lower right lobe of the Pope’s lung. Following the procedure, the Holy See confirmed that the operation went as planned. However, later that evening, doctors announced the discovery of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, confirming that the Pope had been living with cancer.
Family History and Shockwaves Across the Vatican
The diagnosis sent a shockwave through the Vatican’s administration, which employs 1,400 staff members. Even Secretary of State Pietro Parolin expressed concern following the news.
The Pope’s family background has also drawn attention; reports indicate that both of his parents died of cancer, and his brother, Louis, is currently undergoing treatment for myeloma. Despite the diagnosis, his brother expressed optimism from Florida, stating, “We do not come from a family where we give up.”
Pope Recovers as Vatican Evaluates Latin America Tour
Following the operation, the Pope showed signs of a quick recovery, celebrating Mass in his hospital room just three days later.
On October 17, doctors confirmed he could be discharged, estimating a full recovery period of ten days. As of October 21, medical professionals announced that no further treatment would be required. The Vatican is now evaluating whether the Pope will be able to proceed with his scheduled tour of Latin America, which is set to begin on November 6. The trip remains a priority for the pontiff, as it includes a planned stop in Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop for two decades.
Reflections on Fragility and the Sunday Angelus
On October 18, just five days after his initial announcement, the Pope appeared at his window for the Sunday Angelus.
Addressing the crowd, he stated, « Je reprendrai progressivement mes activités avec l’aide de Dieu et de vos prières. » He acknowledged that the experience had deepened his connection to those suffering from illness and infirmity. The Pope’s recent medical journey began shortly after a late September visit to Lourdes, where he had spoken on the fragility of human life—a message that, in hindsight, carried a deeper personal significance than he realized at the time.