Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for surgery to remove a lump on his lung, detected during what the Vatican has described as "routine checks". The operation is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Arrival at the Hospital
The 71-year-old pontiff was met at the hospital by a large crowd, some of whom had been waiting outside for several hours to catch a glimpse of him. They cheered greetings and well wishes as he passed, waving and smiling back through the lowered back window of his car. Upon arrival, he was greeted by hospital staff on the steps.
“"I'm sorry," one of them commiserated, to which the Pope gave a smile and a shrug. "We're here for you," he was assured.
Announcement of Surgery
Pope Leo XIV announced the news of his operation to the world on Sunday, speaking from the balcony in St Peter's Square after delivering the traditional Angelus blessing. He stated that the nodule, or growth, on his lung was "contained" and had been found "at a very early stage", but that doctors had advised him to have it removed.
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope would be operated on by the Gemelli's thoracic surgery team and promised an update on his condition on Tuesday evening. His schedule has already been cleared until 20 October to allow for recovery.
