Pope Leo XIV recovers following successful lung surgery in Rome

Pope Leo XIV is recovering at Rome's Gemelli Hospital following surgery to remove a lung tumor, with doctors reporting steady progress.
Pope Leo XIV is making steady progress at Rome's Gemelli Hospital following surgery to remove a lung tumor discovered during a routine health check. Medical staff report that his recovery is proceeding as expected, with potential discharge possible within five to seven days.
Despite tight security around his suite on the hospital's tenth floor, the pontiff has begun moving around, concelebrating Mass, and conducting limited administrative meetings. Public audiences remain cancelled until October 20.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed confidence in the Pope's recovery, noting his composure upon receiving the news, while acknowledging that the structure of future papal duties may require adjustment to suit his health needs.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.
Sources
- Il Sole 24 Ore — Papa, in mattinata l’arrivo al Policlinico Gemelli
- ANSA — Oggi il ricovero del Papa al Gemelli per rimuovere un nodulo al polmone
- Corriere della Sera — Papa Leone, ricoverato al Gemelli | L'arrivo poco dopo le 13. Il Vaticano: «Nel pomeriggio sarà operato per il nodulo al polmone»
- La Repubblica — La preoccupazione di Parolin: “Il pontificato potrebbe mutare”
- Il Messaggero — Papa Leone al lavoro, il Gemelli blindato e i timori del cardinale Parolin: «Il Pontificato si rimodulerà» ecco come
Earlier coverage
- Oct 17, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCPope Leo XIV makes steady progress following lung surgery in Rome
- Oct 17, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCPope Leo XIV begins recovery at Gemelli Hospital after lung surgery
- Oct 16, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCPope Leo XIV shows steady recovery after lung surgery as discharge nears
- Oct 16, 2026, 03:30 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove malignant lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 09:30 PM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery for lung tumor in Rome
- Oct 14, 2026, 04:00 PM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove malignant lung tumor
- Oct 13, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCPope Leo to undergo lung surgery in Rome following nodule detection