BREAKING News Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery on October 13 at Gemelli Hospital and Vatican Reveals Adjusted Schedule

 Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery at Gemelli Hospital on October 13

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to be admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital late Tuesday morning, October 13, to undergo surgery for a small, localized lung nodule. The procedure will require several adjustments to his upcoming schedule, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni confirmed.

SEE UPDATE - BREAKING News Pope Leo XIV's Surgery Reveals Cancer in the Lung Nodule Removed at the Hospital in the Latest from the Vatican 

The Pope first announced the operation during Sunday’s Angelus address, sharing that the nodule was detected during recent health checks. Responding to media inquiries on Monday, Bruni clarified that these were routine medical examinations and reconfirmed that the Pontiff’s post-surgery recovery in the hospital is expected to last about a week.

Despite receiving a wave of support from global religious and political leaders, Pope Leo maintained his full schedule of morning audiences on Monday. However, he stepped back from the afternoon session commemorating the tenth anniversary of Amoris laetitia in the Paul VI Hall.

Schedule Adjustments & Key Changes

Speaking at a press briefing, Fr. Giacomo Costa, SJ—consultor to the General Secretariat of the Synod—outlined the necessary changes to the ongoing meeting:

Pope Leo XIV Schedule for Lung Surgery; Papal Events Adjusted

• The Surgery: Pope Leo XIV will be admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital late Tuesday morning, October 13, to remove a small, localized lung nodule discovered during routine checks. Recovery is expected to take approximately one week.

• ** papal Activities:** While the Pontiff kept his Monday morning audiences, he withdrew from afternoon events marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia.

• Liturgical Changes: Pope Leo will no longer preside over the October 14 Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the liturgy instead. Participants will offer special prayers for the Pope’s health and for families worldwide.

• Postponed Report: At Pope Leo’s request, the final synthesis report from the anniversary gathering will not be published immediately. The Pope plans to review the participants' conclusions and share his reflections after his recovery.