Who Runs the Catholic Church When the Pope Is Hospitalized?

Pope Leo XIV gestures during a visit to the Maqam Echahid Martyrs' Monument in El Madania, Algeria, on April 13, 2026. —Alberto Pizzoli—Getty Images Pope Leo XIV is expected to remain hospitalized for around a week after he had part of his right lung removed in an operation on Tuesday.

The Vatican said tests had confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer worldwide.

The Pontiff’s first night in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital was “calm,” the Vatican shared in an update Wednesday morning, and doctors have since said that Leo’s tests show his “recovery is progressing normally.” He has undergone respiratory physiotherapy, has begun walking around his room, and has “resumed eating normally.” Leo will be observed while further tests are performed on his removed cancer tissue, as doctors determine what treatments might be needed next.

Leo, 71, had publicly addressed his health during Sunday prayers in St.

Peter's Square at the Vatican, during which he said doctors had discovered a “localized nodule” in his lung that required surgery.

He thanked everyone for their "spiritual closeness" and said he entrusted himself to their prayers.

Following the news of Leo’s diagnosis, people across the world have sent their well wishes.

U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Catholic, offered his prayers to the first American Pope.

President Donald Trump, who has previously criticized Pope Leo , has yet to publicly comment.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen wished Leo a “full and speedy recovery,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the Pope as “a source of hope and inspiration for billions around the world.” As head of the Catholic Church, Leo leads an institution with an immense global following.

Figures released in March by the Central Office of Church Statistics of the Secretariat of State show that the number of Catholics worldwide stood at just over 1.422 billion in 2024.

While Leo focuses on his recovery, all papal audiences have been canceled until Oct.

20.