Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule

Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations, with the Vatican expecting his recovery to take about one week.

The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday, October 11, during his weekly Angelus address to worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square. He said doctors detected the nodule at a very early stage and described it as well-localised.

“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung,” the pope said, according to Vatican News. He added that his doctors recommended surgery and that he had decided to follow their advice.

The Vatican later confirmed that the procedure was planned for the first days of the week. The pope is expected to receive treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a facility that has treated several popes, including his predecessor, Pope Francis.

The Vatican has not disclosed further medical details about the nodule or said whether it is cancerous. A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue that can have several causes; its discovery does not, by itself, establish a cancer diagnosis.

The announcement marks a significant health development for Leo, who became the first US-born pope when he was elected in May 2025. He has maintained an active public schedule and is known to enjoy tennis and swimming.

Following the announcement, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for the pontiff and wished him well as he prepares for the operation.

The surgery also raises questions about the pope’s upcoming pastoral visit to Latin America. Leo is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. The Vatican’s initial announcement did not clarify whether the procedure or recovery period would affect the itinerary.

The pope thanked worshippers for their closeness and asked for their prayers as he prepares for surgery.

The development comes as Catholics around the world follow the health of the head of the Church, which has more than a billion members globally. For now, the Vatican’s public update has focused on the planned procedure and expected recovery, without providing a diagnosis beyond the discovery of the lung nodule.