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Pope Leo XIV. arrives for lung surgery at Gemelli Hospital

Pope Leo XIV. has visited the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for a lung operation, following the discovery of a nodule in his lung.

13 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Pope Leo XIV. arrives for lung surgery at Gemelli Hospital — Archive photoPhoto: Unbekannt · Rawpixel · CC0

Pope Leo XIV. arrived at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Tuesday to undergo a lung operation. This was reported by the Vatican and other sources. The reason for the procedure is a nodule in the lung discovered during routine examinations of the 71-year-old.

According to Münchener Merkur, all of the Pope's audiences have been canceled until October 20. There are conflicting reports about the timing of the surgery: While some reports suggest the procedure could take place as early as Tuesday, tagesschau announced it would occur by Wednesday at the latest.

Gemelli Hospital is known for its medical care of popes. The Pope was escorted to the hospital with a police escort, where he was greeted by numerous people after leaving the Vatican.

The diagnosis of the nodule in his lung was made public for the first time on Sunday, resulting in extensive media coverage. The head of the Catholic Church is following his doctors' advice and taking the necessary steps to address health concerns.

The hospital typically treats patients from the Vatican, making the Pope's visit there nearly a tradition. Preparations for the procedure are already underway for the medical team at the clinic.

The exact details of the surgery and the prognosis following the operation are not yet known. The Vatican is expected to provide further information after the procedure. Observers are closely monitoring the situation as the Pope remains in the hospital.

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