Pope Leo XIV has successfully undergone surgery to remove a “small, localized nodule” from his lung and has returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The procedure was aimed at removing the abnormal growth, with the Vatican providing an update on the pontiff’s condition following the operation.
The successful completion of the surgery will be closely followed by Catholics around the world, who regularly pray for the health and well-being of the leader of the Catholic Church.
Pope's surgery details
The Gemelli Hospital, officially known as the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, is one of Rome’s major medical facilities and has a long history of treating popes.
It is often referred to as the “Pope’s hospital” because several pontiffs, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, received medical treatment there.
Pope John Paul II was taken to Gemelli Hospital several times during his pontificate, including after he was shot in St Peter’s Square in May 1981.
Pope Francis also received treatment at the hospital, including an extended admission in 2025 for a serious respiratory illness.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that may be detected during medical examinations or imaging.
Such nodules can have different causes, including inflammation, infection or, in some cases, cancer.
The term “localized” generally indicates that the growth is confined to a particular area.
However, the description alone does not establish whether a nodule is benign or malignant.
The decision to remove a lung nodule may depend on its size, appearance, location and the findings of medical assessments.
Understanding lung nodules
Further information from the Vatican or the medical team would be needed to establish the precise nature of the growth and whether additional treatment or monitoring will be required.
As head of the Catholic Church, the Pope’s health is a matter of international interest, particularly among the estimated 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
His medical condition can also affect the scheduling of public audiences, liturgical celebrations and other official engagements.
The Vatican has traditionally communicated updates about the health of the Pope through its Press Office, providing information on hospital admissions, medical procedures and recovery when appropriate.
Following the announcement of the successful operation, attention is expected to turn to the pontiff’s recovery and any further medical updates from the Holy See.
Impact on the Pope's schedule
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, was elected Pope in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.
He became the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.
Before his election, Prevost spent many years serving the Church in Peru, where he worked as a missionary and later held senior leadership responsibilities.
He subsequently served as head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, the department responsible for advising the Pope on the appointment of bishops around the world.
His election marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church, with his background combining experience in the United States, Latin America and the Vatican.
