Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a small lung nodule, with the procedure expected to require approximately one week of hospital recovery. This is according to reports from several Catholic and international news outlets.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the discovery during his Angelus address on Sunday, October 11. The Catholic Telegraph reported that doctors had identified a small, well-contained nodule in his lung. Surgical removal will allow medical specialists to examine the tissue through a biopsy and determine whether the lesion is malignant.
The operation is being conducted by a medical team led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli Hospital’s chief thoracic surgeon, according to the National Catholic Reporter. The report also described the pope as being in excellent physical health, noting his regular swimming and tennis activities, and indicated that specialists expect the procedure’s risks to be minimal.
Reuters reported that, according to the Holy See press office, the pope is expected to remain in hospital for about one week following surgery. All public audiences have been canceled from Tuesday, October 13, through October 20.
The procedure will also affect the pope’s participation in Vatican events. The New York Times reported that he will miss Wednesday’s concluding Mass for a Vatican meeting on family ministry, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle scheduled to preside in his place.
Despite the surgery, Pope Leo remains scheduled to undertake an international visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni indicated that the pope intends to maintain the trip on his schedule, despite medical recommendations against air travel immediately after lung surgery.
The pope retains his full papal authority while undergoing treatment. The Vatican has no specific protocol automatically transferring papal leadership during a temporary period of medical incapacitation.
The planned surgery and recovery period are expected to temporarily limit the pontiff’s public engagements as his medical team assesses the lung lesion and monitors his recovery.
