Lucrezia Ciotti Pope Leo XIV is hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for surgery to remove a lung nodule , identified in its early stages. Updates on his health are awaited, while audiences at the Vatican have been suspended until October 20.
Pope Leo XIV admitted to Gemelli Hospital: surgery underway
Pope Leo XIV arrived shortly after 1pm on Monday 13 October at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome and, according to rumours from Rai News , the operation to remove the nodule from the Pontiff's lung is underway at 6.10pm .
As reported by Corriere , the operation has been entrusted to the thoracic surgery team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, as confirmed by the Vatican Press Office, which announced new updates on the Pope's condition this evening.
The growth, discovered during routine medical checks, was apparently diagnosed in its early stages. Leo XIV himself informed the faithful of the problem during the Angelus last Sunday in St. Peter's Square, explaining that the nodule was " in a very early stage and well-localized ."
Upon arrival at the hospital, the Pope got out of the car on his own and was greeted by a crowd of faithful , doctors and patients who greeted him with applause.
Appearing serene and smiling, he nodded to those present before entering the facility, accompanied by his personal physician, Luigi Carbone. He was also welcomed by the Policlinico's top officials, including the Foundation's president, Daniele Franco, general director Daniele Piacentini, and medical director Andrea Cambieri. During his hospital stay, the Pontiff will also be assisted by nurse Massimiliano Strappetti, a former close friend of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. His hospital stay is expected to last about a week , but recovery time will depend on the outcome of the operation and subsequent tests, including a biopsy.
Pope Leo XIV at Gemelli Hospital for lung surgery: medical bulletin pending
The announcement of the surgery sparked surprise and concern in the Vatican. Cardinal Pietro Parolin , Secretary of State, said he was struck by the Pope's calmness in informing the faithful. " I'm worried, because I wasn't expecting something like this ," he told reporters on the sidelines of a conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University, explaining that he had also met with Leo XIV the previous evening. The cardinal, however, expressed confidence in the timely diagnosis: "It's something that, thank God, was noticed immediately, and normally, when these things are caught early, they can be resolved ." Parolin then reiterated the Holy See's closeness to the Pope: " We are confident, but naturally we all accompany him with our prayers and affection ."
To allow the Pope to focus on his recovery, the Prefecture of the Papal Household has ordered the cancellation of all audiences scheduled through Tuesday , October 20. The celebration scheduled in St. Peter's Square with representatives of the Eastern Churches, the presidents of the Episcopal Conferences, several couples, and several experts will be presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, delegate of Leo XIV. The format of the Angelus on Sunday, October 18, remains to be determined.
Meanwhile, in preparation for his admission, security measures have been strengthened inside and outside the hospital. The tenth floor, designated for the Pope's stay, has been sealed off and access is restricted to authorized personnel. Law enforcement, the Vatican Gendarmerie, and the Policlinico's internal security are also involved, with checks at entrances and surrounding areas and airspace monitoring. To protect patient confidentiality, the management of clinical data may also involve the use of identification codes or pseudonyms.
The Vatican Press Office announced that further information will be released in the coming hours , without specifying a specific time. Therefore, close attention remains focused on the outcome of the operation and the Pope's recovery time.