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If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.Ps 127:1

Vatican Angelus, 11 October 2026

Pope Leo XIV undergoes surgery

Catholic IntelligenceUpdated 1 min read

Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove a lung nodule at the Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli. The Holy See Press Office reported the procedure concluded positively and according to schedule. Following the operation, the pope returned to his room on the 10th floor after a brief period of observation.

The thoracic surgery involved the video-assisted removal of the lower lobe of the pope's right lung. A medical bulletin from the Gemelli hospital stated that an immediate histological exam confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected during pre-operative testing. The surgical team, led by Stefano Margaritora, performed the operation in approximately 90 minutes.

The pope previously disclosed the discovery of the localized, early-stage nodule during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 11. Oncologist Francesco Cognetti described the lobe removal as a standard intervention for such cases, noting that the remaining lung tissue should ensure respiratory function.

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How the coverage unfolded

  1. Oct 13, 11:11 AM ACI Prensa Español La cirugía de León XIV concluyó “positivamente”
  2. Oct 13, 2:06 PM RomaSette Italiano «Concluso positivamente» l’intervento del Papa
  3. Oct 14, 1:38 AM Famiglia Cristiana Italiano Salute Papa. L’oncologo: «Per lui intervento standard. Funzione respiratoria assicurata dal resto dei polmoni»

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