Pope Leo the 14th was hospitalized! 'A mass was detected in his lung'

The Pope, who had previously announced that he would undergo surgery to remove the mass detected in his lung, left the Vatican at noon and went to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for the operation.

The Pope's arrival at Gemelli Hospital was closely followed by many members of the press and those at the hospital. The Pope, who was welcomed at the door by hospital officials, entered the building on foot.

In a written statement made to journalists by the Vatican Press Office, the Pope visited Prof. at Gemelli Hospital. It was stated that he would be operated on in the afternoon to remove the mass in his lung by the thoracic surgery team led by Stefano Margaritora.

Making a statement to journalists about the Pope's surgery, Vatican State Secretary (Prime Minister) Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, "I met with him yesterday. We talked very calmly. Frankly, I am worried because I did not expect such a thing, but fortunately, it is a situation that is noticed immediately and therefore can be solved as soon as possible. Normally, such things can be solved well when detected early." he said.

The Vatican had previously announced that all programs were canceled until October 20 for the Pope's recovery.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, A POPE ANNOUNCED THAT HE WILL HAVE SURGERY DURING SUNDAY PRAYER

During his traditional Sunday prayer from the window of his office overlooking the Vatican's St. Peter's Square on October 11, Pope Leo XIV said, "Doctors have detected a mass (nodule) in my lung. The doctors believe that intervention is appropriate, and therefore, on their advice, I have decided to have surgery to remove the nodule. The surgery is planned to be performed in the next few days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers." He used the expression.

Following this statement, which was considered a "surprise" by the 71-year-old Pope, the Vatican Press Office announced that the recovery period after the operation was expected to last one week.

The Italian press also pointed out that for the first time in history, a Pope transparently announced during his Sunday prayer that he would undergo surgery in the coming days.

In the media reports, it was stated that the Pope decided to have surgery immediately in order not to cancel his South American trip, which included Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on November 6-17.

Following the death of Pope Francis, the previous head of state of the Vatican, on April 21, 2025, the cardinal of the period, American Robert Francis Prevost, who was elected as Pope at the Conclave (Papal Election) on May 8, 2025, in the Vatican, the center of the Catholic Church, took the name "Pope Leo 14".