Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgery at Rome hospital

The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV has undergone a successful operation to remove a small growth from his lung.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Holy See Press Office said the pontiff had returned to his room at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital after the surgery.

The operation was carried out by the hospital’s thoracic surgery team, led by Professor Stefano Margaritora.

The Vatican described the procedure as successful but did not provide further details about the Pope’s recovery or when he might be discharged from the hospital.

The Vatican had earlier announced that the 71-year-old pope would undergo surgery on Tuesday afternoon to remove a “small, localised nodule” from his lung.

Leo disclosed the discovery on Sunday during his Angelus address at St Peter’s Square, saying the growth had been detected during recent medical examinations.

He said doctors found the nodule at a very early stage and recommended surgery to remove it.

A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that can be detected through imaging tests, such as a CT scan. It may develop due to infection, inflammation or scarring, but it can also be benign or malignant.

The discovery of a nodule does not necessarily mean a patient has cancer. Further examination of the removed tissue may be needed to determine its nature and whether additional treatment is required.

The Vatican has not disclosed whether the pope’s growth is cancerous.

Before the operation, the Holy See press office said the pontiff was expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week to recover.

His hospitalisation has also necessitated changes to his schedule, with his public audiences cancelled through October 20.

Pope Leo was elected in May 2025, succeeding Pope Francis, who died in April of that year.

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