What is known about Pope Leo’s health ahead of surgery

Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule on Oct. 13 at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. During the Angelus on Oct. 11, the pope stated that doctors advised the operation because the lesion was caught early and is well localized.

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said the pope is expected to stay in the hospital for approximately one week to recover. Because of the surgery, Pope Leo XIV will not celebrate the closing Mass for the meeting "10 Years After Amoris Laetitia: Proclaiming the Gospel with Families Today" on Oct. 14. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will serve as the celebrant for that Mass instead.