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Pope Leo to Undergo Surgery for Early-Stage Lung Nodule at Gemelli Hospital
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News18•12-10-2026, 23:15
Pope Leo to Undergo Surgery for Early-Stage Lung Nodule at Gemelli Hospital
- •Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to be admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for surgery to remove a localized lung nodule detected at a very early stage.
- •The Vatican anticipates a weeklong hospital recovery for the 71-year-old pontiff, canceling all audiences through October 20.
- •It remains uncertain whether the procedure and recovery will impact his planned November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
- •Even during surgery and unconsciousness, the pope retains full papal authority as no specific rules govern temporary papal incapacitation.
Key Questions Answered
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to be admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital to undergo surgery to remove a localized lung nodule detected at a very early stage.
The pope will be treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, which features a special 10th-floor apartment set up for pontiffs.
Pope Leo XIV confirmed the appointment of Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as the new dean of the College of Cardinals, succeeding Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
