Pope Leo XIV arrived at Rome's Gemelli hospital on Tuesday morning for surgery to remove a nodule on his lung, a procedure the Vatican said would take place in the afternoon. The 71-year-old pontiff waved to well-wishers from the window of his car as he was driven from the Vatican to the polyclinic, the traditional medical facility for popes.
The announcement of the surgery came on Sunday, marking the first time a pope has personally disclosed his own medical condition in such a direct manner. The Vatican press office said doctors expect the recovery period to last roughly a week, which would allow the pope to depart on his scheduled 11-day visit to Latin America on 6 November. The trip will take him to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru—a country where he served as a missionary for two decades and whose citizenship he holds.
What is a pulmonary nodule?
A pulmonary nodule is a small growth of tissue in the lung. Most are benign, but a small percentage can indicate early-stage lung cancer. Small nodules often cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally during scans for other conditions. Larger nodules may lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, or a persistent cough, sometimes with blood. The operation is typically performed under general anaesthetic, with the patient breathing through a tube.
The Gemelli hospital has long been the medical home for popes. Pope Leo's predecessor, Francis, spent weeks there before his death last year. John Paul II, who led the Church from 1978 to 2005, was treated at Gemelli nine times, accumulating 153 days in its wards. He famously joked that the hospital was like “Vatican number three.”
The Vatican has established a dedicated top-floor apartment at the hospital, accessible via a long corridor guarded by Italian and Vatican police. The suite includes the pope's room, a meeting space for medical staff, a kitchen, bathroom, and rest areas, as well as a small chapel.
The decision to proceed with surgery reflects the pope's determination to maintain his demanding schedule. His upcoming Latin American tour is seen as a priority, particularly the stop in Peru, where he retains deep personal ties. The Vatican has not disclosed further details about the nodule's nature, but the pope's personal announcement has been interpreted as an effort to foster transparency about his health.
Medical experts note that while lung nodule surgery is routine, the pope's age and the location of the nodule will influence recovery. The procedure is expected to be minimally invasive, but the Vatican has not confirmed the exact technique. The pope's medical team has expressed confidence in a full recovery, and the Vatican has asked for prayers from the faithful.
As the pope undergoes surgery, the Church's leadership remains in Rome, with the College of Cardinals ready to assist if needed. The Vatican has not indicated any change in the pope's public duties beyond the immediate recovery period.
This is not the first time a pope has faced serious health challenges at Gemelli. The hospital's history with papal patients underscores its role as a sanctuary for the Church's leader. For now, the focus is on a successful operation and a swift return to the Vatican.
