Pope Leo XIV Enters Gemelli for Lung Nodule Surgery
He greeted patients on arrival; scheduled audiences are paused through Oct. 20 as cardinals praise his rare candor.
Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, for same-day surgery to remove a small lung nodule that was detected at a very early stage during routine exams.
The Holy Father arrived by car. He waved to well-wishers and journalists outside the hospital, then greeted staff and patients, including those in wheelchairs, before the procedure.
The operation is being led by Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Gemelli’s chief thoracic surgeon. An update was expected the same evening. The pope is expected to remain hospitalized for about one week. All scheduled audiences have been canceled through Oct. 20.
Transparency Praised Across the Church
Pope Leo XIV announced the finding and the planned intervention himself on October 11. Senior cardinals have described that public statement as an unprecedented gesture of transparency and humility.
Cardinal Michael Czerny called the announcement a sign of fraternity in the spirit of Fratelli Tutti. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández said it fosters deeper ecclesial communion. Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, after meeting the Holy Father on October 12, reported that he was calm and described the operation as minor. Plans for a November trip to Latin America remain unchanged, the cardinal said.
Medical experts note that lung nodules are common and that about 90 percent are benign, though they warrant careful attention because of cancer risks. In the pope’s case, the nodule was identified early enough for prompt surgical treatment.
While the Holy Father recovers at Gemelli, the ordinary work of the Roman Curia continues. Catholics worldwide are following the news from Rome and uniting in prayer for his swift return to full health.