AP
Vatican Pope Surgery
Postcards of Pope Leo XIV are displayed outside a shop selling religious items near St. Peter's Square, in Rome, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
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Pope Leo XIV has arrived at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule. He walked in and waved to well-wishers gathered outside. Leo revealed on Sunday that doctors discovered the nodule and recommended its removal. The Vatican says he will be hospitalized for at least a week, with all audiences canceled until October 20. Experts say the surgery will determine if the lesion is malignant and if further treatment is needed. Leo has been transparent about this health issue, which is the first major one of his papacy.
