On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV was admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome to undergo surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule that had been detected at an early stage. The procedure is taking place on the tenth floor of the medical center; the Pontiff arrived shortly after 1:00 p.m. and is being treated in an area adjacent to his usual quarters.

RELATED:

Pope Leon XIV Ends Lebanon Visit with Mass Before More Than 150,000 in Beirut

The procedure is being led by thoracic surgeon Stefano Margaritora, who has headed the hospital’s specialized department for ten years. Holy See sources estimated a seven-day postoperative period and indicated that the Vatican expects to issue a medical bulletin following the operation.

All his appointments have been cancelled through October 20, including a major Mass on Wednesday marking the conclusion of a global assembly on the family; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will stand in for him at that event.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin highlighted the serenity with which the Supreme Pontiff announced the procedure, although he acknowledged his own surprise at the diagnosis. The Holy See clarified that there would be no transfer of authority, as that only occurs in the event of a vacant see.

British specialist Marco Scarci noted that it is not a particularly risky operation, though he estimated that a full recovery of physical fitness could take up to three months. Meanwhile, Federico Venuta explained that, as a general rule, it is recommended to avoid flying for about twenty days following this type of surgery.

The Pope is scheduled to travel to South America in November, with visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru; his clinical progress will determine the final confirmation of the itinerary. Marco Scarci, a thoracic surgery specialist in the UK, told AFP that the procedure is not particularly high-risk and that he expects the Pope to recover soon, although it could take up to three months for him to regain his pre-surgery level of physical fitness.

Il cardinale #Parolin ha parlato con #LeoneXIV: “È un esempio di grande serenità”. Il segretario di Stato auspica che tutto si risolva al più presto: “Siamo fiduciosi e naturalmente lo accompagniamo tutti con la nostra preghiera e con il nostro affetto”.https://t.co/C6z8lzHUf2 pic.twitter.com/pYPtgcHoJ4

— Vatican News (@vaticannews_it) October 13, 2026

International solidarity

The pontiff’s hospitalization sparked a wave of international solidarity, involving the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square as well as episcopal conferences in Poland, Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. Religious communities across various countries organized prayer chains for the Pope’s health and speedy recovery.

In Rome, Auxiliary Bishop Baldassare Reina is set to lead a rosary service at 6:00 PM in the chapel of the Gemelli Polyclinic as part of efforts to provide spiritual support.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel wrote on X that “the Cuban people stand with the pontiff with respect and appreciation” and wished him a speedy recovery.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the Pope as a great defender of humanity and a dignified life. Petro linked the papal figure to the need to confront the manipulations of artificial intelligence and the rivalries between major tech corporations.

From Brazil, President Lula da Silva sent his warmest regards to the Pope and joined in prayers for the surgery’s success.

The Gemelli Polyclinic is once again the focus of global attention for treating a pontiff, following the cases of John Paul II and Francis. John Paul II famously joked that the hospital had become “Vatican III.”

A reinforced security protocol has been implemented at the entrance to the medical facility, while the Vatican maintains a policy of discretion regarding the pontiff’s health status.

Pope Leo XIV has arrived at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome to undergo a scheduled low-risk lung surgery. Crowds of faithful and reporters gathered outside the hospital as the Pontiff arrived. Medical experts confirm the procedure is low-risk.#PopeLeoXIV #Vatican #Rome… pic.twitter.com/uYF1r1F6np

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 13, 2026

From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.