Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to remove a small, localised nodule from his lung, according to the Holy See Press Office.
According to Vatican News, the procedure took place at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome, Italy, on October 13, 2026. The Vatican said the operation was completed as planned and that the pontiff had returned to his hospital room.
Here are five things to know about the Pope’s surgery.
1. The lung nodule was detected during routine medical examinations
Pope Leo XIV disclosed on October 11 that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in one of his lungs during recent medical examinations.
The pontiff said the nodule had been detected at an early stage and that doctors recommended surgery to remove it.
He announced the planned procedure at the end of his Sunday Angelus address in St Peter’s Square, thanking people for their support and prayers.
2. The surgery was completed successfully
The Holy See Press Office confirmed the outcome in a brief statement released on Tuesday.
“The surgery was completed successfully, within the expected timeframe and as planned, and the Holy Father has returned to his room.
“Further information will follow,” the statement said.
The Vatican did not immediately disclose further medical details about the procedure.
3. The operation took place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome
The surgery was performed at the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic, a hospital that has treated several popes, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.
The procedure involved removing the lung nodule identified during the pontiff’s medical examinations.
However, the Vatican has not publicly released pathology results confirming whether the nodule was benign or malignant.
4. His recovery could affect his public schedule
Following the operation, the Pope was expected to remain in hospital for observation and recovery.
Reports indicated that his public audiences and engagements had been cancelled through October 20, although further updates from the Vatican would be needed to confirm his recovery timeline.
His planned apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17 was still expected to proceed, subject to his recovery and any subsequent medical advice.
5. The Pope has appealed for prayers
Before the surgery, Pope Leo XIV spoke publicly about his health, an approach that drew attention from senior Catholic Church figures and commentators.
His disclosure allowed the faithful to learn about the planned operation directly from him rather than solely through official medical announcements.
Cardinal Michael Czerny, speaking to EWTN News, described the Pope’s openness as an expression of humility and truth.
The Vatican has said further information about the Pope’s condition would be provided as appropriate.
What is known about the nodule?
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung. Such nodules can have several causes and are not necessarily cancerous. Without the Pope’s pathology results or further medical information, it would be premature to draw conclusions about the nature of his condition.
For now, the confirmed update from the Holy See Press Office is that the operation was completed successfully and the Pope returned to his hospital room.