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Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations.
The 71-year-old pontiff shared the news during his Sunday Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square in Rome on October 11, explaining that doctors detected the abnormality at an early stage and recommended removing it.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung,” Leo said, according to a Vatican news release.
“It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.”
The pope confirmed that the procedure had already been scheduled and thanked those gathered for their support.
“The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days,” he added. “I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers. Thank you, and happy Sunday!”
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the operation would take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital during the first days of the week. The estimated recovery period is approximately one week.
The announcement prompted concern about whether the procedure could affect the pope’s upcoming commitments. Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, although it remains unclear whether his surgery and recovery will affect the planned trip.
The pontiff had indicated during his Sunday remarks that he intended to undertake the visit.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her support for Leo ahead of the procedure, extending her personal wishes and those of the Italian government.
“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 (today) ...are reassuring,” Meloni added.
Lung nodules are small areas of abnormal tissue that can be detected through imaging tests. Many are caused by scarring from previous lung infections, although further medical assessment may be necessary to determine their nature.
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first American pope when he was elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis the previous month.
