Pope Leo to Undergo Lung Surgery After Nodule Detected in Early Stage

Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule found on his lung during a recent medical check-up.

The 71-year-old pontiff made the disclosure during his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, telling pilgrims the growth was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized.

“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung,” Leo said. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well contained. The doctors believe it is advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the next few days”.

The Vatican press office said the surgery will take place in the first half of the coming week, with an expected recovery time of about one week. The procedure is expected to be performed at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where popes have traditionally been treated.

The Vatican did not say whether the nodule is believed to be malignant. A lung nodule is a small, localized lesion that can be benign. According to the American Thoracic Society, fewer than five percent of lung nodules overall prove cancerous, though risk rises with age, size and other factors.

Leo, elected pope in May 2025, is relatively young for a Church leader and has no previously known health problems. He is considered physically active, enjoying weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her support for the pontiff. “I would like to express to the Holy Father my personal support, and that of the Italian government, as he faces this challenge in the coming days,” she said in a statement. “The serenity and composure with which he spoke about it during today’s Angelus are reassuring”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also wished Leo a “successful surgery and a swift, full recovery” in a post on X, adding that “our thoughts and prayers are with him”.

The pope has a major 11-day trip planned to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. It remains unclear whether the surgery and recovery will affect the itinerary, but Leo said earlier in his remarks Sunday that he planned to go.

On Monday, the Vatican said Leo was maintaining his regular schedule ahead of the surgery, holding seven previously planned meetings with visiting bishops from Argentina, Nicaragua and the United States.

Before mentioning his health issue, the pope thanked Catholics for their prayers “for the pastoral visit I will undertake.” He concluded his address by saying, “Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers”.

Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, died in April 2025 following a long hospitalization brought on by a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Francis had suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man.