pope leo xiv lung surgery: trending now
14-10-2026
Pope Leo XIV Lung Surgery: Vatican Confirms Successful Operation at Gemelli Hospital
Pope Leo XIV underwent planned thoracic surgery on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital to remove a nodule from his right lung. The Vatican Press Office announced that the procedure was successful and completed without complications.
Key Details of the Surgical Procedure
Surgical Technique: A medical team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora performed a video-assisted radical resection to remove the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung.
Duration: The operation itself lasted approximately 90 minutes, with the 71-year-old pontiff spending around three hours in the surgical suite.
Diagnosis: Intraoperative histological analysis confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, an early-stage glandular form of lung cancer. Further pathology assessments are being conducted on the resected tissue.
Recovery and Vatican Schedule Impact
Following standard post-anesthesia observation, Pope Leo XIV returned to his private suite on the hospital’s 10th floor. He is scheduled to remain hospitalized for approximately one week for postoperative monitoring and respiratory rehabilitation.
All papal audiences and official engagements have been suspended through October 20. Vatican officials stated that decisions regarding his upcoming apostolic journey to South America (Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru), originally scheduled for November 6–17, will depend on his recovery progress over the coming weeks.