In brief
Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for a scheduled operation to excise a lung lump found during routine examinations. The 71‑year‑old pontiff received a warm welcome from crowds and hospital staff before moving into the operating ward. He announced the diagnosis from St. Peter’s Square, stressing the growth was early‑stage and contained. Vatican officials assured the Pope underwent surgery by the hospital’s thoracic team, with an update expected later that day. The papal schedule has been temporarily paused to allow for recovery before an upcoming Latin‑American trip.
Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for surgery to remove a lump on his lung, detected during what the Vatican has described as routine checks.
The operation will take place on Tuesday afternoon.
The 71‑year‑old pontiff was met at the hospital by a large crowd, some of whom had been waiting outside for several hours to catch a glimpse of him.
They cheered greetings and well wishes as he passed, waving and smiling back through the lowered back window of his car.
He was then met by staff on the hospital steps. One of them said, "I'm sorry," to which the Pope smiled and shrugged.
He said the nodule, or growth, on his lung was "contained" and had been found "at a very early stage", but that doctors had advised him to have it removed.
The Vatican said the Pope would be operated on by the Gemelli's thoracic surgery team and promised an update on his condition on Tuesday evening.
The papal schedule has already been cleared until 20 October to give him time to recover.
Nodules are quite common and are not necessarily cancerous. When removed, they are usually tested for signs of disease.
The Vatican has stressed that the pontiff, who is generally thought to be fit, had no symptoms of infection or illness.
Cardinal Kikuchi Tarcisio Isao, after an audience with the Pope on Monday, said the pontiff felt "nothing wrong" physically and had chosen to address the surgery promptly as he was due to travel to Latin America in early November.
Despite reassurances, the news has shaken Catholics worldwide.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin called the situation a "bolt from the blue" but noted the cardinals were comforted by the Pope’s serenity and confidence in recovery.
Outside Gemelli Hospital, some Catholics lingered after the Pope’s admission, waiting for updates while praying.
