Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule found in his lung during recent medical checks.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the news during his weekly Angelus address in St Peter’s Square, saying the lesion was caught at a very early stage.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is circumscribed. The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it,” Leo said.
“The surgery is already scheduled for the coming days. Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers,” he added.
One week of recovery
The Vatican said the operation would take place early in the week at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, with recovery expected to last about a week. Routine Vatican business will continue in that time, but decisions needing the pope’s signature will be delayed.
Leo, the first American-born pope, has no previously known major health problems and is considered physically active. He regularly plays tennis and swims at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
Trip still planned
He is still due to make a major pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. It is unclear whether the surgery and recovery will affect the schedule.
Meloni offers support
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the “serenity and calm with which he spoke about it” were reassuring, and conveyed the Italian government’s solidarity.
Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, died in April 2025 after a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Francis had chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man.
