Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday, October 13th, at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors discovered a small nodule in his lung during a routine medical examination.
The Holy Father shared news of his condition following Sunday’s Angelus, explaining that the nodule was detected at an early stage and remains localized. Following the recommendation of his doctors, he has decided to proceed with surgery to remove it.
Pope Leo also expressed gratitude for the support he has received and asked the faithful to remember him in their prayers.
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed Monday that the Pope is expected to enter the hospital late Tuesday morning. His recovery will require an anticipated hospital stay of approximately one week.
Despite the upcoming procedure, Pope Leo maintained his scheduled audiences Monday morning. However, his hospitalization will require adjustments to several Vatican events.
Changes to the Holy Father’s Schedule
The Pope will no longer preside over Wednesday’s Mass in St. Peter’s Square commemorating the tenth anniversary of Amoris laetitia. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will celebrate the Mass in his place, with special prayers offered for the Holy Father’s health and for families.
The hospitalization will also affect the conclusion of the anniversary gathering, which brings together Church leaders, married couples, and experts.
According to Jesuit Father Giacomo Costa, Pope Leo had expressed a desire to personally review the meeting’s conclusions and offer his reflections. At his request, the final report will be withheld from publication until he has recovered and had an opportunity to consider its contents.
As Pope Leo prepares for surgery, Catholics around the world are invited to unite in prayer for the Holy Father’s successful operation and recovery
UPDATE: From the Holy See Press Office Press Release, 13.10.2026
Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora have issued the following statement regarding this afternoon’s operation:
The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled.
To ensure a radical procedure, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected by the pre-operative tests.
The Holy Father was in the operating theatre for approximately three hours; the operation itself lasted about ninety minutes. The operation was successful and there were no complications.
Following the operation, the Pope woke up normally and, after a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the tenth floor.
The surgical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr Leonardo Petracca Caravella.
The anaesthesia team consisted of Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr Giovanni Punzo and Dr Giuseppe Bello.