Pope Leo XIV is expected to spend about a week in hospital in Rome following surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung, as uncertainty remains over whether he will require further treatment.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on Tuesday at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome after a lung nodule was detected during routine medical examinations.
Medical tests subsequently confirmed that the nodule was an adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
The operation lasted approximately three hours and involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung. The procedure was performed by a medical team led by renowned Italian professor Stefano Margaritora.
According to the medical team, the surgery was successful and proceeded without complications. The Pope was returned to his hospital room after the operation.
However, the Vatican and his medical team have yet to provide details on whether additional treatment will be necessary.
Pope Disclosed Surgery Plans to Faithful
Pope Leo XIV had informed thousands of faithful gathered at St Peter’s Square on Sunday that he would undergo surgery after doctors detected the lung nodule at an early stage.
He described the nodule as being at a “very early stage” and “well localised”, adding that his doctors had recommended an operation.
“The doctors consider an operation appropriate,” he said, explaining that he had decided to follow their medical advice and proceed with the removal of the nodule.
His hospitalisation has led to the cancellation of all his scheduled audiences until the middle of next week.
The pontiff will also miss the closing service of an international bishops’ meeting on marriage and the family, scheduled to take place at St Peter’s Square on Wednesday.
November Visit to South America Under Attention
The Pope’s planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November has also come under scrutiny following news of his surgery.
The Vatican has not announced any changes to the nearly two-week trip, which is expected to include a visit to Cusco, Peru.
Cusco is situated approximately 3,400 metres above sea level, where reduced oxygen levels can cause breathing difficulties and altitude sickness, particularly among visitors who are not accustomed to high-altitude conditions.
Pope Leo XIV has strong ties to Peru, having spent several years in the country as a missionary and bishop. He previously served as the worldwide head of the Augustinian order and also holds Peruvian citizenship.
Pope Maintains Active Lifestyle
Before the discovery of the lung nodule, no major health concerns involving the Pope had been publicly reported.
Elected leader of the Catholic Church in May 2025, Leo XIV has maintained an active lifestyle, with activities including tennis, swimming and regular exercise.
Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, located on the outskirts of Rome, has a dedicated wing for popes on its 10th floor.
His predecessor, Pope Francis, also received medical treatment at the facility before his death at the age of 88.
Vatican’s Approach to Papal Health
The Vatican has traditionally exercised considerable discretion in communicating details about the health of popes.
Pope Leo XIV’s decision to publicly disclose his planned surgery has therefore attracted attention, offering the faithful and the wider public a clearer account of his medical condition.
For now, attention remains focused on his recovery, the possibility of further treatment and whether his hospitalisation will affect his upcoming public engagements and international travel plans.
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