PM Modi Reacts to Pope Leo XIV’s Successful Surgery, Wishes Speedy Recovery

October 14, 2026

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wished Pope Leo XIV a speedy and complete recovery. The Pope underwent surgery on Tuesday, which has been reported as successful.

Posting on the social media platform X, PM Modi said, “I am delighted to learn that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s surgery last night was successful. I wish him a speedy and complete recovery and 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

Surgery on the lower lobe of the right lung

According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV underwent chest surgery on Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. In a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margritora said that the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung was removed during the operation.

According to the statement, video-assisted technology was used to completely remove the affected lobe. Examination of the tissue during the surgery confirmed the disease that was suspected based on tests conducted before the operation.

Vatican News quoted doctors as saying that histological examination of the tissue during the operation confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.

Surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes, no complications

According to reports, the Pope’s surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes. Doctors declared the operation successful and said there were no complications.

After a brief observation following the surgery, the Pope was taken to his room on the 10th floor of the hospital. The tissue removed will be further examined in the coming days.

PM Modi also congratulated the Pope on his election

Previously, in May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as head of the Catholic Church and spiritual leader of the Christian community worldwide.

At that time, PM Modi had described his leadership as crucial in advancing the ideals of peace, harmony, solidarity, and service. He reiterated India’s commitment to peace and pledged continued dialogue and cooperation with the Holy See.

PM Modi wrote on X, “On behalf of the people of India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. His leadership of the Catholic Church comes at a crucial time for advancing the ideals of peace, harmony, solidarity, and service.”