Cardinal Tobin Undergoes Surgery for Kidney Mass

Archdiocese of Newark says Cardinal Joseph Tobin's kidney mass appears confined to the organ, pending further examination.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Catholicism

Photograph of a stone Gothic-revival cathedral facade and spire across a quiet tree-lined street under overcast autumn skies. — Archdiocese of Newark says Cardinal Joseph Tobin underwent surgery Tuesday to remove a kidney mass, which appears confined to the organ pending further examination. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin underwent surgery to remove a mass found on his kidney, the Archdiocese of Newark announced on October 28. The archdiocese said testing to date indicates the mass is confined to the kidney.

Why it matters

Tobin serves as archbishop of Newark, a large archdiocese in the New Jersey region, and his health status is of interest to the Catholic community he leads. The archdiocese has asked that the cardinal, his family, and staff not be contacted for interviews or information.

The Archdiocese of Newark serves about 1.3 million Catholics within a four-county area of roughly 3.1 million total residents. The nature of the mass remains unknown until post-surgical examination is completed.

The players

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin

Cardinal Tobin became archbishop of Newark in 2017 after leading the Archdiocese of Indianapolis from 2012, and was made a cardinal in 2016 by Pope Francis.

Archdiocese of Newark

The archdiocese covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties and serves about 1.3 million Catholics.

The details

Tobin's kidney mass was identified during testing. The cardinal is expected to resume his full duties within a few weeks after surgery, according to the archdiocese.

October 28: Archdiocese of Newark announces the planned surgery.
October 29: Cardinal Tobin undergoes kidney surgery.

Church Leadership Context

Tobin was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on November 19, 2016, placing him among senior prelates of the American Church. His surgery now raises questions about the continuity of leadership in the Archdiocese of Newark while he recovers.

Catholics across the United States who follow the Archdiocese of Newark may see changes in leadership or services while Cardinal Tobin recovers. The cardinal is expected to resume full duties within a few weeks after surgery.

The takeaway

Routine medical care can affect even high-profile church leaders, and the cardinal's expected return within weeks offers reassurance to the faithful. Readers should watch for further updates once the mass is examined.