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Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Nodule Surgery in Rome

By Drooid · Oct 12, 2026, 10:42 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pope Leo XIV Surgery

Pope Leo XIV will undergo lung nodule surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
He announced the operation on Sunday, October 11, 2026, via social media.
Doctors described the nodule as early-stage, well-defined and recommended surgical removal.
He is scheduled to be admitted on Tuesday, October 12, 2026, for a week-long hospital stay.
Dr. Samuel Kim of Northwestern Medicine said he is optimistic about the pope’s health and recovery.

Summary

Tagle Named Dean

Vatican cancelled all papal audiences through Oct 20 to accommodate the pope’s surgery.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was appointed dean of the College of Cardinals shortly before the operation.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed personal closeness and pledged government support for the pope during his health challenge.
Vatican noted no canonical rule designates a substitute pope if the pontiff becomes incapacitated.

History

Historical Context

On 11 February 2013 Pope Benedict XVI announced he would resign, and on 28 February he stepped down at age 85, becoming the first pope to relinquish the office since Gregory XII in 1415 and the first without pressure since Celestine V in 1294. His departure triggered a sede vacante that elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis on 13 March 2013, reviving debate over papal incapacity rules.

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Pope Leo XIV Surgery

Pope Leo XIV will undergo lung nodule surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
He announced the operation on Sunday, October 11, 2026, via social media.
Doctors described the nodule as early-stage, well-defined and recommended surgical removal.
He is scheduled to be admitted on Tuesday, October 12, 2026, for a week-long hospital stay.
Dr. Samuel Kim of Northwestern Medicine said he is optimistic about the pope’s health and recovery.

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