Pope Leo XIV remains in charge during lung surgery at Rome hospital

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

Pope Leo XIV is undergoing surgery to remove a lung nodule at Rome's Gemelli hospital and remains in charge of the Catholic Church despite being under general anesthesia.

Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic to remove a nodule on his lung. He was expected to remain hospitalised for approximately a week.

Under Vatican canon law, the pope retains full authority as head of the Catholic Church even while unconscious or incapacitated. The church has detailed procedures for transferring papal power only in cases of death or resignation; no such protocols exist for temporary incapacity due to illness or medical procedures.

The Vatican's day-to-day operations continue under Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, who delegates responsibilities on behalf of the pope. Parolin's continued work during Leo's hospitalisation, including speaking at a conference, underscored that the church's governance would proceed without disruption.

How it is being reported

• Who's in charge when the pope is unconscious and unable to govern? The popeThe Vatican has detailed laws, rituals and norms to transfer papal power if a pope dies or resigns.Clickorlando · 13 Oct, 12:50
• Who's in charge when the pope is unconscious and unable to govern? The popeThe Vatican has detailed laws, rituals and norms to transfer papal power if a pope dies or resigns.News4Jax · 13 Oct, 12:50

In this story: Pope Leo XIV · Cardinal Pietro Parolin · Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic · Rome · Vatican · Catholic Church

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