Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery to remove lung lobe

On the morning of October 13, 2026, Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome to remove a lung nodule that had already been identified as adenocarcinoma. The disclosure of the procedure made the topic gain prominence in online searches.

Diagnosis and Surgical Decision

Tests performed before the surgery indicated a nodule located in the lower lobe of the right lung, classified as early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. The Pope, when communicating the fact during the October 11 mass, explained that doctors recommended removal to ensure the complete elimination of the lesion.

Intervention Details

The operation was conducted by a team led by Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora, with the support of Prof. Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo, and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella. A video-assisted technique was used to remove the lower lobe of the right lung, ensuring the radicality of the procedure.

Duration and Conditions of the Surgery

The Pope's total time in the operating room was approximately three hours, with the intervention itself lasting about 90 minutes. General anesthesia was administered by a team composed of Prof. Massimo Antonelli, Dr. Giovanni Punzo, and Dr. Giuseppe Bello. No complications were recorded during the procedure.

Recovery and Guidelines

After the surgery, the Pope awoke normally and was transferred to his room on the tenth floor, where he remains under observation. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported that recovery is expected to take about a week and that the pontiff has canceled his schedule until October 20 but will continue working from the hospital.

Reactions and Spiritual Support

During the surgery's preparation, the Vicar of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, led a prayer in the hospital chapel, asking for the Pope's protection. The Catholic community, including the Basilica of Aparecida, held masses requesting intercession for the pontiff's health.

With information from G1, Vatican News.