Metro Manila, Philippines – Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 13, to undergo surgery to remove a small, localized nodule from his lung, according to the Vatican.
The Holy See Press Office said the procedure would be performed by the hospital’s thoracic surgery team, led by Professor Stefano Margaritora.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the nodule was discovered during routine medical examinations. The Pope is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week following the operation.
An update on his condition is expected Tuesday evening.
Pope Leo arrived at Gemelli Hospital at 1:07 p.m. local time, where patients, hospital staff and visitors gathered to greet him.
Some applauded as his vehicle entered the hospital grounds, while others called out greetings. The pontiff briefly approached several patients, including those in wheelchairs, before proceeding inside.
The Pope had completed his scheduled audiences on Monday morning, as messages of support continued to arrive from Church communities and political leaders worldwide.
Religious sisters gathered at the hospital’s St. John Paul II Chapel to pray for the pontiff. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Pope’s vicar general for the Diocese of Rome, was also scheduled to lead a rosary at 6 p.m.
Parishes and religious communities across Rome were invited to join in prayer as the Catholic Church awaited further updates on the Pope’s condition.
With reports from Vatican News
