Pope Leo recovering after ‘successful’ surgery to remove growth on his lung

Pope Leo XIV Returns to His Room After Lung Procedure in Rome

Earthguardiansonline.com – Pope Leo XIV is recovering in a Rome hospital after doctors removed a small growth from his lung in an operation the Vatican described as successful. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure Tuesday afternoon at Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic, where he later returned to his room after surgery was completed as planned.

The hospitalization is the first of Leo’s pontificate. He has cancelled public engagements through October 20 as he takes time to recuperate, with Vatican officials indicating that roughly a week of recovery will be needed following the operation.

A Growth Found During Routine Testing

Leo told people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday that doctors had identified a nodule on his lung and recommended its removal. He said the finding came at a very early stage and that it was contained.

A lung nodule is an area of dense tissue and is often noncancerous. The Vatican press office said the growth was detected during routine examinations. Leo is not known to have underlying medical conditions and has maintained an active lifestyle that includes tennis and swimming.

Before entering hospital, the pope continued a full schedule on Monday. His day included consecutive morning meetings followed by an event in the Vatican with bishops and other church leaders.

Dr. Matthew Triplette, medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program and a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, said operations to remove nodules are commonly minimally invasive and generally carry a low complication rate. Patients often remain in hospital for several days before completing their recovery at home.

Gemelli’s Long Papal Connection

The Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in northwest Rome has long been closely linked with the Vatican. Its 10th floor contains dedicated rooms for a pope, an area Pope John Paul II famously called “Vatican three.” In his description, St. Peter’s was Vatican one, while the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo was Vatican two.

John Paul II was treated at Gemelli repeatedly during his papacy. Pope Francis also spent an extended period at the hospital early last year while receiving treatment for pneumonia. Leo’s stay adds another chapter to a medical facility that has become familiar to the Catholic Church during moments of concern for a pope’s health.

While Leo is receiving care, normal Vatican administration will continue. Day-to-day business is already managed by officials and departments that support the pope’s work. Matters requiring the pontiff’s own signature, however, will wait until he is able to address them.

Papal Authority Remains With the Pope

The Vatican does not have a detailed, specific process for transferring leadership of the Catholic Church if a pope becomes incapacitated. Even during surgery or unconsciousness, a pope retains full papal authority. That principle means routine governance can continue through existing structures without changing who holds the office.

Past popes have demonstrated how that arrangement works in practice. Both Francis and John Paul II issued laws and statements while hospitalized, and Vatican officials continued to handle the institution’s ordinary operations during those periods.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said Catholic clergy were praying for Leo’s recovery. Parolin said he had met the pope on Monday evening and that the need for surgery had come unexpectedly.

“We were all struck by the serenity with which the Pope announced this procedure,” Parolin said. “We hope he can resolve this issue as soon as possible. We are confident, but naturally, we are supporting him with our prayers.”

Parolin described their conversation as calm, while acknowledging his concern over the unexpected news.

“We spoke very calmly,” he said. “Am I worried? Yes, because I certainly didn’t expect something like this.”

He also stressed the importance of early detection.

“It is something that, thank God, was detected immediately,” Parolin continued. “And normally, when these things are caught in time, they can be resolved.”

Prayers and Well-Wishes From Around the World

News of the surgery has prompted messages of support from Catholics and visitors in Rome, including people with ties to the United States. Leo is the first American pope, and his health has drawn particular attention in Chicago, his hometown.

Paul Kavulich, visiting Rome with his daughter on a pilgrimage, said they were thinking of the pope as he prepared for the procedure.

“We’re just hoping that his procedure is going to go well,” Kavulich said. “And he’s got God with him – no doubt about that.”

For now, the key development is that the procedure has concluded and Leo is back in his hospital room. His cancelled schedule gives him time to recover while Vatican operations proceed, and the coming days will offer a clearer picture of when he may be ready to resume public duties.