Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery for Early-Stage Lung Nodule as Catholics Pray Worldwide
Pope Leo’s planned surgery has canceled audiences through Oct. 20 as Catholics around the world gather in prayer for his health.
Pope Leo XIV will have surgery early this week to remove a small lung nodule found “at a very early stage,” the Vatican says1. Pope Leo announced after the Angelus on Oct. 11 that doctors found the nodule during recent medical examinations2.
Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) reported the Vatican's announcement on X on Oct. 131. In the Pope's own words, the doctors believe it is advisable to operate, and he has decided to undergo surgery to remove the nodule, following their advice. The nodule was found during a routine medical checkup, and that finding prompted his doctors to advise surgical removal2.
“at a very early stage”
The post is by @cnalive on X, and the live updates are at https://www.ewtnnews.com/vatican/live-updates-pope-leo-s-health-and-preparations-for-surgery1.
The Holy See Press Office said Pope Leo is scheduled to enter Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for surgery, with his audiences canceled during his hospitalization. The Prefecture of the Papal Household has canceled all audiences through Oct. 20. Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said the hospital stay after surgery is expected to last about a week. The Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima said about 130,000 pilgrims prayed for the Pope Monday night, on the eve of his admission to Gemelli Hospital. Mexico’s bishops called a week of prayer for the Pope from Oct. 12 through 18. Ecuador’s bishops called a national day of prayer for Wednesday, Oct. 14. Cardinal Baldassare Reina will lead a rosary for the Pope Tuesday at 6 p.m. Rome time in the St. John Paul II Chapel of Gemelli Hospital, and Roman parishes and religious communities are invited to pray at the same hour2. Pope Leo will not preside at the Oct. 14 Mass in St. Peter’s Square; he has entrusted that role to Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Fr. Giacomo Costa said the Mass will pray for families as well as for the Pope’s health3.
Faith belongs at the center of family life, and families should be free to live and pass on their beliefs. The Pope thanked the faithful for their spiritual closeness and said he entrusts himself to their prayers4. Religious liberty and parents’ right to raise children in their faith deserve protection, and the prayers rising for the Pope show faith communities gathering around a shared concern.
Sources
- @cnalive on X, 2026-10-13: Pope Leo XIV will have surgery early this week to remove a small lung nodule found “at a very early stage,” the Vatican says. Follow our live updates on his health and the prayers pouring in from around the world. https://www.ewtnnews.com/vatican/live-updates-pop, 2026-10-13
- Pope Leo XIV lung surgery: Live updates and reactions
- Pope Leo to be admitted to Gemelli Hospital on October 13 - Vatican News
- Angelus, 11 October 2026
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