ع
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, cautioned that Pope Leo XIV’s health should not be taken for granted in the wake of the pontiff’s recent lung surgery. The cardinal shared his concerns with journalists on the sidelines of public events, according to reports from Vatican News. Parolin noted that while he trusts the official medical updates, the development came as a surprise that has left him worried for the Holy Father.
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on October 13 2026 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to address a pulmonary nodule diagnosed as adenocarcinoma confined to a limited area of the right lung. A Vatican statement detailed that surgeons removed the lower lobe during the operation, which followed the Pope’s public announcement at the preceding Sunday Angelus. The Holy See has since issued regular bulletins on his condition through its press office.
Parolin revealed that he spoke with Pope Leo XIV on the afternoon before the admission to hospital, describing the conversation as calm. “We were all struck by his serenity,” Parolin said in remarks carried by Vatican News. The cardinal added that the early detection offered confidence the matter could be resolved promptly while everyone accompanied the Pope with prayers and affection.
Medical updates released on October 16 2026 by the Vatican press office confirmed steady improvement in the Pope’s overall condition. Doctors reported that blood tests and a chest X-ray aligned with expectations, with respiratory physiotherapy continuing and the Pope able to perform daily activities in full autonomy. That same day Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass independently in a hospital chapel prepared on the tenth floor, thanking medical staff in his homily for their care of the sick and for him personally, according to Vatican News.
Preparations for Pope Leo XIV’s planned November trip to South America remain on track despite the hospital stay, Reuters reported citing Vatican officials. The itinerary covering Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17 has seen a list of accredited journalists released, with work on the visit described as going forward. The Pope is also scheduled to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday, potentially from the hospital if his recovery permits.
Cardinal Parolin indicated that the pontiff might readjust elements of his schedule or activities if recovery requires it. “If necessary, the Pope will also readjust his pontificate,” Parolin stated in comments to reporters covered by Infovaticana and other outlets. The cardinal stressed that no long-term predictions could be made only days after surgery but voiced growing serenity based on the positive bulletins while ruling out any discussion of resignation.
