In brief
Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for a routine operation to remove a small nodule on his lung. The Vatican says the lump was caught early and is fully contained. He will have the procedure on Tuesday and is expected to recover quickly, keeping his travel plans to Latin America on track. A large crowd gathered outside the hospital, and the Pope thanked everyone with a calm smile and a shrug.
Pope Leo faces lung surgery
The 71‑year‑old pontiff has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for a routine operation to remove a small lump, or nodule, on his lung that was spotted during early checks.
The Vatican said the little growth was "contained" and caught at an early stage, giving doctors confidence it can be taken out safely. He is expected to recover quickly, with his travel plans to Latin America still on track.
On Sunday, Leo told crowds from St Peter’s Square that the procedure would take place Tuesday afternoon. He said he felt fine before the check‑ups, and his calm reassurance kept the press and religious leaders at ease.
A huge crowd gathered outside the hospital, waving and snapping photos, while staff guided him inside. Pope Leo thanked everyone with a smile and a shrug, as he was escorted down the steps.
The Vatican has promised an update after he returns from surgery, and the pope’s duties have been paused for the next ten days to allow for recovery.
