Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery for a Small Lung Nodule
The pope told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square that doctors found a small, contained nodule on his lung during routine medical checks. The surgery is scheduled for the coming days; recovery is expected to take about a week.
Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday he will undergo surgery this week to remove a small nodule on his lung, the first health issue of his tenure.
The 71-year-old pope made the announcement in Italian during his weekly noon blessing in St. Peter’s Square.
“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung,” he told the crowd. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized. The doctors believe it is advisable to take action, so, following their advice, I have decided to have surgery to remove it.”
“The operation is already scheduled for the coming days,” he added. “Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers.”
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the surgery will take place in the first days of the week and that recovery is expected to take about a week. He will be treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where his predecessors were also cared for.
Leo, elected in May 2025, is the first pope born in the United States. He has no known previous health problems and plays tennis weekly.
The pope is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17. He said Sunday he still plans to make the trip.
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