Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Successful Surgery to Remove a Lung Nodule
Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery to remove a lung nodule at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican announced. The 71-year-old pontiff, who was elected on May 8, 2025, faced his first reported health scare since taking office, according to reporting from grupoanimal.mx.
The low-risk procedure was performed by a thoracic surgery team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora. The Vatican stated that the operation concluded within the scheduled time and the pope returned to his room.
Detection and Medical Evaluation
The pulmonary nodule was discovered during routine medical examinations rather than in response to symptoms, according to Vatican statements. Pope Leo XIV informed the public of the finding on a Sunday following the Angelus prayer, noting that the detection occurred at an early stage.
Most lung nodules are benign, though a small percentage can indicate early-stage lung cancer. Professor Federico Venuta, head of thoracic surgery at Policlinico Umberto I in Rome, explained that such nodules can stem from inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, or congenital lesions, or they can be malignant. Venuta noted that even if the nodule proved non-benign, the medical prognosis remains very positive.
Canceled Agenda and Upcoming South American Trip
The Vatican suspended the pontiff’s schedule through October 20. The cancellations include a major Wednesday mass for the conclusion of a global assembly on the family, where Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will take his place.
The Holy See estimated a recovery period of approximately one week. However, specialists noted that physical recuperation may take longer. Marco Scarci, a UK-based thoracic surgery specialist, told reporters that patients can take up to three months to return to their pre-surgery physical fitness levels.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undertake an extensive trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to November 17. Regarding the upcoming international travel, Professor Venuta stated that medical guidelines generally advise avoiding air travel for roughly twenty days following thoracic procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pope Leo XIV recovering?
The pope is recovering in a specialized suite on the top floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The accommodations include a small private chapel, a kitchen, and a meeting room for his medical staff.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle stepped in to lead the major Wednesday mass for the closing of the global assembly on the family after the Vatican canceled the pope’s engagements through October 20.
The Holy See scheduled the papal journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru between November 6 and November 17, following an anticipated one-week convalescence period in Rome.
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