In brief
Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for a scheduled operation to remove a lung lump discovered during routine checks. The Vatican described the nodule as contained and early-stage, prompting the pope to act quickly ahead of planned Latin America travel. The pope was greeted by a cheering crowd as he entered the hospital, where he was escorted to surgery by medical staff. Health officials noted that lung nodules are often benign but will be tested for cancer. The Vatican promised a condition update on Tuesday evening and the pope’s schedule was cleared until 20 October for recovery.
The 71‑year‑old Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday for an operation to remove a lump that had been found on his lung during routine checks.
The Vatican said the nodule was “contained” and discovered “at a very early stage,” and that the pope chose to have it removed promptly because he was due to travel to Latin America later that month.
The crowd outside the hospital sparked a wave of cheers when the pontiff arrived; he thanked onlookers and smiled from the back of his car, before being escorted to the operating theatre by medical staff.
The pope had announced the operation on Sunday from St. Peter’s Square during his Angelus, noting the possibility of a routine procedure and reaffirming his commitment to the schedule of visits that was cleared through 20 October.
Health officials explained that while lung nodules are common and not always cancerous, the removed tissue will be examined to rule out any disease. The Vatican promised an update on his condition later in the day.
Cardinal Parolin and other church leaders expressed calm confidence in the pope’s recovery, despite the surprise that many Catholics felt, as the pontiff was expected to resume travel to Peru and other Latin American destinations.
