Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule, marking his first hospitalisation since becoming head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025.
The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that the 71-year-old pontiff had been admitted to the hospital, where he is scheduled to undergo surgery this afternoon under a thoracic surgery team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora.
The procedure follows the discovery of a small, localised nodule in the Pope’s lung during routine medical examinations. Leo announced the planned operation during his Sunday Angelus address, explaining that doctors had detected the growth at an early stage and recommended its removal.
The Pope said he had decided to proceed with the surgery on the advice of his medical team.
The Vatican expects him to remain in hospital for approximately one week to recover. His public engagements have been cancelled through October 20 to allow time for the procedure and recuperation.
The hospitalisation has prompted changes to the Pope’s scheduled activities, including his participation in meetings and religious celebrations at the Vatican.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, is expected to preside over a Mass scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, in St Peter’s Square in place of the Pope.
Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, was elected pope in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. He became the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
His admission to Gemelli Hospital places him at a medical facility long associated with papal healthcare. The hospital also treated Pope Francis during several periods of illness before his death in April 2025.
Despite the upcoming procedure, Leo indicated on Sunday that he intended to proceed with his planned apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. Whether any changes to the trip will be necessary will depend on developments following the surgery and his recovery.
The Vatican has said further information about the procedure will be provided as it becomes available.
