Pope Leo recovering after successful surgery to remove growth on his lung: news

Pope Leo XIV Recovering Following Successful Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule

Pope Leo XIV is recovering well after undergoing a successful surgical procedure to remove a small, localized nodule from his lung at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital.

The Holy See confirmed that the operation was carried out smoothly, on schedule, and without complications. The 71-year-old pontiff had first disclosed the medical condition during his Sunday Angelus address, explaining that the abnormal growth had been detected at a very early stage during routine health examinations. Following the direct recommendation of his medical team, the Pope chose to undergo immediate surgery to excise the tissue and facilitate full histological evaluation.

According to the Vatican Press Office, the pontiff is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week during his initial post-operative recovery. To allow adequate rest and rehabilitation, public audiences and official papal appointments have been cleared through October 20. Medical experts and Vatican officials remain optimistic regarding his prognosis, citing the early detection, localized nature of the growth, and prompt surgical intervention.