VATICAN CITY / ROME. Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, ahead of surgery to remove a lung nodule detected during recent medical examinations. The procedure will be performed by the hospital’s thoracic surgery team, led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, according to the Holy See Press Office. 

The 71-year-old pope announced on Sunday that doctors had discovered a localized nodule in one of his lungs and recommended surgical removal. He said the lesion had been detected at a very early stage and was well localized. The Vatican has not yet released a definitive diagnosis regarding the nature of the nodule.

The hospitalization marks the first major publicly disclosed health concern since Leo XIV began his papacy in May 2025. According to information released by the Vatican, the nodule was discovered during routine medical examinations rather than following symptoms such as inflammation or infection. 

Hospital stay and changes to the papal schedule

The Vatican expects the pope to remain in hospital for approximately one week. His public engagements have been suspended through October 20, allowing time for the procedure and recovery. Further information is expected once the medical team provides an official update. 

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed confidence in the pope’s recovery and praised the calm manner in which he announced the operation.

“We were all impressed by the serenity with which the pope announced this procedure. We hope that he can resolve this problem as soon as possible. We have confidence, but of course, we accompany him with our prayers,” Parolin told reporters.

The cardinal added that he had met with Leo XIV on Monday and that they had spoken calmly, although he acknowledged that the news had come as a surprise.

Gemelli Hospital’s long history with the papacy

Rome’s Gemelli Hospital has a long-standing connection with the Vatican. Pope John Paul II received medical treatment there during several hospitalizations, and Pope Francis was also treated at the facility during his pontificate. 

Journalists and well-wishers gathered outside the hospital following Leo XIV’s arrival. Rome’s vicar general, Bishop Baldassare Reina, also announced a rosary at the hospital chapel as a sign of solidarity and prayer for the pontiff.

The pope’s hospitalization does not mean that another person assumes his office. Under Catholic Church law, the pontiff retains his authority while alive and unless he resigns, although his medical condition may temporarily affect his public schedule and ability to carry out certain activities.

The Vatican is expected to provide further information following the operation. Until an official medical assessment is released, the nature of the lung nodule and the outcome of the procedure remain unconfirmed.