Pope Leo Has Part of Lung Removed in Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital Tuesday for surgery to remove a small lung nodule. The Vatican said routine tests found the growth.
71-year-old Leo announced the nodule during Sunday's angelus prayer.
Gemelli's chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, leads the surgical team.
Oct. 20 is the end date for his canceled appointments.
Renovations to the papal suite mean he will stay in a nearby room.
Why it matters: The surgery will show whether the nodule is cancerous and whether more treatment is needed. Doctors describe the procedure as low risk.
0.6% to 0.8% mortality applies to healthy patients, said surgeon Lorenzo Spaggiari.
The pope keeps full authority even while under anesthesia.
Left coverage, 22 sources: The left frames the hospitalization through Vatican transparency and the institution's long history with Gemelli and past popes.
