Pope Leo XIV to enter Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 13 for lung nodule surgery; recovery may affect November South America tour

Pope Leo XIV will be admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 13 (local time) for surgery to remove a lung nodule. The Holy See Press Office announced on Oct. 12 that he would enter the hospital late in the morning on Oct. 13. The exact surgery date and the type of procedure were not disclosed.

Pope announces surgery after the Angelus: “A very early stage”

The pope told the faithful about his planned surgery after the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 11. According to Vatican News, he said, “During several recent checkups, doctors discovered a well-circumscribed nodule in my lung,” adding that it was “detected at a very early stage and is well localized.” He continued, “The doctors felt it would be best to take action, and on their advice I have decided to have it surgically removed,” adding, “I entrust myself to your prayers.”

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said surgery was scheduled for “early next week” and that the pope was expected to spend “about one week” in hospital afterward. The Vatican said the checkup was routine and had not been prompted by any specific symptoms. It did not say whether the nodule was benign or malignant.

Experts: A common finding, with a good prognosis if removed early

Independent experts who are not treating the pope offered cautious optimism. Dr. Stephen Liu of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in the United States told CBS News that “lung nodules are quite common and are often benign.” He told the Associated Press that a needle biopsy might not provide enough information, making surgery a standard and generally safe option.

Dr. Dionysios Papadatos-Pastos of The London Clinic in the UK told the AP that a well-circumscribed nodule is relatively less likely to be cancerous, but said that “ignoring a lung nodule is the worst choice.” Massimo Di Maio, president of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology, said the next step would be to determine whether the nodule was benign or malignant and whether any cancer had spread.

Schedule changes unavoidable ahead of South America visit

The pope held his scheduled private audiences as usual on Oct. 12. However, the AP reported that he might not be able to attend the closing Mass of a conference on family pastoral care on Oct. 14.

Attention is focused on his planned Nov. 6–17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican said plans for the visit were proceeding as scheduled, but it remains unclear whether his recovery will affect the itinerary. Italian daily Il Post reported that the trip would include about 10 domestic flights within South America. Peru is also where the pope previously served as a bishop.

First health issue in 17 months as pope

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago on Sept. 14, 1955, is 71 years old. He was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the first pope from the United States. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he previously served as bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. He had no previously reported health problems during his roughly 17 months as pope and is known to play tennis weekly and enjoy swimming.

Leaders from several countries also sent wishes for a speedy recovery. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her “personal closeness” to the pope on X, while Italian President Sergio Mattarella said “the Italian people stand by the Holy Father.” Argentine President Javier Milei also sent a message saying, “All of Argentina is with the pope in affection and prayer.”

His predecessor, Pope Francis, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in February 2025 with pneumonia and other ailments and remained there for more than five weeks. He died on April 21 that year. The Vatican plans to provide further updates on Leo’s condition after surgery.