Pope Leo to enter hospital on Tuesday for surgery on lung nodule
The Vatican said the nodule was found during routine tests and surgery is expected to determine whether more treatment is needed.
- On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV will enter Rome's Gemelli hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical checks, marking his first hospitalization since becoming head of the Catholic Church 17 months ago.
- Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, who typically kept health matters private, Leo announced the procedure himself on Sunday during Angelus prayers, describing the nodule as "at a very early stage" and "well-contained."
- Thoracic surgery expert Marco Scarci told AFP the operation is not "a particularly risky operation," while the American Thoracic Society reports fewer than 5% of such lung nodules prove cancerous.
- Vatican officials confirmed Leo has cancelled all public appointments until October 20; Church bureaucracy will continue operations during his recovery, though decisions requiring papal approval are held pending.
- Despite the surgery, Leo intends to proceed with his 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru beginning November 6, though reaching pre-surgery fitness may require up to three months.
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Pope Leo Checks Into Rome Clinic For Lung Surgery
Pope Leo XIV arrived at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. He is undergoing a planned operation to remove a small lung nodule. Doctors discovered the localized growth during recent routine health checks. The pontiff personally shared the unexpected news during his Sunday Angelus address. He told pilgrims that specialists caught the issue at a very early stage. Following their expert medical guidance, he chose prompt surgical intervent…
About one and a half years after Francis' last hospital stay, a Pope is again in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome. The nervousness is great.
The high pontiff was hospitalized this Tuesday for a chest surgery, receiving the support of leaders and religious communities of the world.
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