Pope Leo XIV admitted to hospital for lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV, the 71-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on October 13, 2026, to undergo surgery for the removal of a lung nodule. The pontiff announced the procedure to the faithful in St. Peter's Square on October 11, explaining that the localized growth was detected during a routine medical examination and identified at a very early stage. Medical experts noted that such nodules are often benign, though the exact nature of the growth has not been specified.

Following the hospitalization, the Vatican confirmed that all of the Pope's public appointments and meetings scheduled through October 20 have been cancelled. While the exact date of the surgery was initially uncertain, reports indicated it would likely take place between October 13 and October 14. Despite the health concerns, Pope Leo intends to maintain his international travel schedule, including a planned visit to Latin America from November 6 to 17. The pontiff, who has served as the head of the 1.4-billion-member Church since May 2025, is expected to remain in the hospital for approximately one week for recovery.