Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wished Pope Leo XIV a full and speedy recovery after the pontiff underwent successful surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Happy to learn that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s surgery last night was successful. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery as well as continued good health.”
Happy to learn that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s surgery last night was successful.
Wishing him a full and speedy recovery as well as continued good health.
@Pontifex
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2026
The Pope underwent thoracic surgery on Tuesday. According to a statement by Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, released by the Holy See Press Office, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique.
Vatican News reported that an examination of tissue during the operation confirmed the diagnosis suspected from preoperative tests.
“An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the preoperative examinations,” the doctors said, according to Vatican News.
The surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes. Doctors reported that the operation was successful and caused no complications.
After a brief observation period, the Pope returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor. Doctors will examine the removed tissue further in the coming days.
PM Modi had congratulated Pope Leo XIV in May last year after his election as head of the Catholic Church and spiritual leader of Catholics worldwide. He expressed hope that the Pope’s leadership would advance peace and harmony.
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