VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to check into a Rome hospital on Tuesday to undergo surgery for the removal of a lung nodule, marking the first major medical challenge disclosed during his 17-month papacy.
The pontiff openly shared news of the small, localized nodule during his Sunday Angelus prayer, earning praise for his rare transparency regarding personal health matters.
Following the announcement, the Vatican confirmed that Leo would be admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday morning, prompting the cancellation of all papal audiences through October 20 to allow for a weeklong recovery period.
Medical experts note that the procedure could involve advanced robotic technology for both diagnostics and removal.
Dr. Lorenzo Spaggiari, director of thoracic surgery at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan who is unassociated with the papal care team, explained that specialized tools like robotic bronchoscopy and the da Vinci surgical system allow for precise, minimally invasive operations.
“These are things that can be treated very well, if the words he used reflect the clinical situation,” Spaggiari remarked regarding the pope’s condition.
While the exact surgical method remains unconfirmed, doctors emphasize that the associated risks are minimal for individuals in otherwise good health. Tissue samples and nearby lymph nodes will be thoroughly analyzed during the operation to determine whether further medical intervention is necessary.
Spaggiari added that detecting the asymptomatic growth during routine medical examinations was fortunate, noting that early discovery significantly improves the overall outlook.