Pope Leo XIV successfully undergoes operation to remove nodule from lung

Published October 13, 2026 12:03pm ET | Updated October 13, 2026 2:49pm ET



Pope Leo XIV has successfully undergone an operation to remove a nodule from his lung.

The Holy Father arrived at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Tuesday morning to address the nodule — a small growth of tissue on the inside of his lung. He had previously characterized it as minor and treatable. The pope was in surgery by Tuesday afternoon, and the Holy See released a statement not long afterward affirming a successful operation.

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