Vatican says Pope Leo XIV's lung nodule surgery completed successfully
In short
Pope Leo XIV's surgery to remove a lung nodule was completed successfully on October 13, the Vatican said, according to Newsis. The pope returned to his hospital room, and audiences scheduled through October 20 have been canceled.
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Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery to remove a lung nodule on October 13, the Vatican said, according to Newsis. The outlet reported that the Vatican press office announced late that afternoon that the operation had been completed within the expected time and according to plan. The pope returned to his hospital room, with further details to be announced later. [ 12 ]
The 71-year-old pope was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome on October 13 and underwent surgery shortly afterward, Newsis reported. Earlier, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni had said surgery was planned for the beginning of the week and that recovery was expected to take about a week. Audiences scheduled through October 20 have been canceled. [ 5 , 10 , 12 ]
Leo publicly disclosed the nodule during his midday prayer at St. Peter's Square on October 11. He said doctors had found a localized lung nodule during a recent health examination, that it was at an early stage and that its location was clearly defined. He said he had decided to have it removed on medical advice. [ 3 , 8 ]
Newsis reported that the pope continued his official activities on October 12, meeting representatives of a charity in Rome and holding six private audiences. The Vatican denied Italian media reports that inflammation had prompted the examination and said it had not been conducted because of a particular health problem, according to Newsis. [ 8 ]
A trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru is scheduled for November 6–17. Newsis reported uncertainty over whether the operation and recovery would affect the visit. Seoul Shinmun, however, reported that the pope had emphasized he would make the South American trip as planned. [ 8 , 9 , 12 ]
Why it matters
The Vatican expected about a week of recovery after surgery. The cancellation of audiences affects the pope's official schedule, while reports leave the effect on his planned November South American trip uncertain.
Key facts
- The Vatican said the operation was completed successfully as planned and the pope returned to his hospital room. [ 12 ]
- The pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on October 13 for the operation. [ 11 , 12 ]
- The pope disclosed the lung nodule and his surgery plan on October 11. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 12 ]
- Audiences scheduled through October 20 were canceled. [ 7 , 10 , 12 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Further clinical details following surgery. The Vatican statement reported by Newsis said additional details would be announced later.
- The effect on the planned November 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Newsis reported uncertainty about the trip, while Seoul Shinmun said the pope had stressed he would proceed as planned.