Pope Leo XIV, the 71-year-old pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule discovered on his lung. The unexpected health news was shared by the Pope himself with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square immediately following the traditional Angelus prayer.
"The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days," Pope Leo XIV, Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
During his address, Pope Leo XIV reassured the faithful that the nodule was found at a very early stage and is well localized. Following the recommendations of his medical team, he has decided to proceed with its removal. "The surgery is already scheduled for the next few days," the pope stated, asking for prayers ahead of the procedure. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni later confirmed that the operation is anticipated to take place during the initial days of the upcoming week.
The surgical procedure will be performed at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, a medical facility long associated with papal healthcare. The hospital maintains a dedicated suite specifically for the pontiff. According to statements from the Vatican, Pope Leo is expected to spend approximately one week recovering after the surgery. Officials have not released additional details regarding the nature of the lung nodule or whether it is cancerous. Lung nodules are generally defined as small, dense areas of tissue in the lung, typically measuring less than three centimeters, and many are noncancerous, though doctors consider various factors in diagnosis and treatment.
This announcement marks the first significant publicly disclosed health issue for Pope Leo XIV since he assumed the papacy in May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. An American-born prelate, Pope Leo has otherwise been described as maintaining an active lifestyle, reportedly engaging in activities such as tennis and swimming during his stays at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo. No major previous health problems had been publicly disclosed prior to this.
The timing of the operation has raised questions concerning an upcoming international trip scheduled for November. Pope Leo is slated to travel from November 6 through November 17, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. Vatican officials have not yet indicated whether the surgical procedure or the subsequent recovery period will impact this significant journey. For the time being, the schedule for the trip remains unresolved.
In the same Angelus address, the Pope also touched upon the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, advocating for the continued safe passage of grain shipments through the Black Sea. He emphasized the critical importance of ensuring food supplies remain accessible to vulnerable populations globally.
Following the announcement, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her support to Pope Leo XIV, expressing solidarity both personally and on behalf of the Italian government as he prepares for surgery. The Holy See Press Office has indicated that normal Vatican operations are expected to proceed during Pope Leo’s recovery. However, matters requiring the pontiff’s personal signature will reportedly be delayed until he is able to resume his full duties. The Vatican has not announced any further medical complications. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming surgery, the anticipated one-week recovery, and the prayers offered for his well-being.
