Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery to remove lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The Vatican reported that the nodule was discovered during routine medical checkups and is well-localized in an early stage.

The Prefectura of the Pontifical House canceled all public and private audiences until Tuesday, Oct. 20. The surgery was performed by a thoracic surgery team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, and the Pope is expected to spend approximately one week in recovery.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed the early detection of the nodule, while Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin noted the unexpected nature of the news. Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the longtime secretary to St. John Paul II, offered prayers for the Pope, noting that the surgery coincides with the anniversary of the miracle of the sun in Fatima.