Pope Leo’s lung nodule surgery was completed successfully, Vatican says

Updated on: October 13, 2026 / 2:54 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Pope Leo XIV underwent a successful surgery Tuesday to remove a lung nodule, according to the Vatican.

"The procedure was completed successfully, within the expected timeframe and as planned, and the Holy Father has returned to his room," the Holy See Press Office said. The office promised further information at a later time.

The 71-year-old Leo had walked into Rome's Gemelli hospital through the main entrance earlier Tuesday and waved to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to greet him. The Vatican said the surgery would be performed by a team led by Gemelli's chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora.

The operation got underway as medical staff recited the Rosary prayer in the hospital chapel Tuesday evening. "Let us join together in prayer, asking the Lord to sustain our bishop, Pope Leo, and to comfort all those who are hospitalized here," said the Vicar of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, at the start of the prayer.

The American pontiff has offered a rare level of transparency about the first publicly disclosed major health problem of his 17-month papacy. He revealed the discovery of the small, localized nodule during his Sunday…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/