Pope Leo recovering in hospital

Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital has admitted Pope Leo XIV for surgery to remove a small, localized nodule in his lung, according to the Holy See Press Office. The Pope’s condition is expected to be updated later Tuesday evening. The operation, led by Professor Stefano Margaritora and his thoracic surgery team, will be performed soon.

Pope Leo was discovered to have the nodule during routine medical examinations, with the Holy See confirming the procedure would last approximately a week. Pope Leo had canceled all scheduled audiences through October 20 to accommodate the surgery and recovery period. Despite the Pope’s admission, he held all his planned audiences on Monday morning, receiving messages of support from Churches and political leaders worldwide.

The hospitalization has led to adjustments in Pope Leo’s schedule, including his absence from the 10th anniversary meeting of his apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia and his postponement of a Mass in St Peter’s Square. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will preside over the Mass, with prayers for the Pope’s health and families. The Pope has entrusted the meeting’s conclusions to Father Giacomo Costa for review and reflection once he recovers.

His week-long hospital stay means his recovery will continue beyond the surgery, with further updates on his condition anticipated following Tuesday’s operation.