Vatican reports successful completion of Pope Leo XIV’s surgery

Pope Leo XIV’s operation to remove a lung nodule was completed successfully, the Vatican said on Oct. 13. The pope returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.

The Holy See Press Office said the procedure took place as planned and within the expected timeframe. Associated Press, Axios and Catholic News Service reported the official statement.

The pope had arrived at the hospital earlier that day for the planned procedure. He told the faithful about the forthcoming surgery on Sunday after the Angelus prayer.

Leo said doctors had found a small, localised nodule during a medical examination. The decision to remove it followed their recommendation.

Successful completion of the surgery does not establish the nature of the removed tissue or mean treatment has ended. The Vatican promised further information on the pope’s condition at a later time.