In brief
Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for urgent surgery to remove a lung lump found during routine checks. He announced the operation from St. Peter’s Square, noting the nodule was contained and had been detected early. The Pope’s schedule has been cleared until 20 October to allow full recovery. Cardinals and Catholic faithful worldwide have expressed concern about his health while noting the pontiff remains composed.
Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for urgent surgery to remove a lung lump that was found during routine checks.
The 71‑year‑old pontiff's operation, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, was carried out by the hospital's thoracic surgery team. Ahead of the procedure, a large crowd gathered outside the hospital, many waiting for hours to hear greetings from the Pope, who smiled and waved from his car's window.
He first announced the need for surgery on Sunday from St Peter's Square, saying the nodule was "contained" and had been detected early. The Vatican confirmed that the lump would be excised and examined for cancer.
The Pope's schedule has been emptied until 20 October to allow a full period of rest and recovery. Cardinals and Catholic faithful worldwide have expressed concern, noting how fully he appears to remain composed amid the situation.
