WorldTOP STORY

Pope Leo, 71, checks into Rome hospital; surgery deemed low risk

Leo, 71, told worshippers about the small growth himself at Sunday's angelus prayer; the Vatican rarely shares medical news that openly.

On air: Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock on BBN This Morning
Published 7:46 AM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

From the show

First reported by The Guardian: “Pope Leo admitted to hospital for operation to remove growth on lung”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:46 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock.
Topics: Rome, Pope Leo.
BBN covered this story before: Pope Leo to go to hospital Tuesday for lung nodule surgery (October 13).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The GuardianPope Leo admitted to hospital for operation to remove growth on lung

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorPope Leo, seventy-one, checked into a Rome hospital for surgery on a small lung growth. The Guardian reports it's considered low risk and could happen this afternoon.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHe told people about it himself at Sunday prayers, which is rare for the Vatican, and a top cardinal called the news a bolt out of the blue.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA pope who announces his own medical news before anyone can leak it.