VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a nodule on his lung during a medical examination.
Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square in Rome on Sunday, the 71-year-old pontiff said doctors had identified an early-stage, localised nodule on his lung.
“My doctors believe it would be right to intervene,” he said, adding that he had agreed to the operation. He reassured pilgrims that the nodule was well-contained and had been detected at an early stage.
Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. 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 operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) October 11, 2026
The announcement comes nearly a year and a half after Leo succeeded Pope Francis, who also suffered from lung-related health problems that required hospital treatment.
At the conclusion of his Angelus prayer, Leo thanked those who had expressed their spiritual support and said he was entrusting himself to their prayers.
Holy See Press Office spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters that the operation was scheduled for the first days of the following week. He added that the pontiff was expected to need about a week to recover.
According to Vatican News, the operation will take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Giorgia Meloni expresses personal solidarity with Pope Leo
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her “personal solidarity” with Pope Leo XIV as he prepares to undergo surgery in the coming days.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella also conveyed his support, offering his “sincerest wishes for a peaceful recovery and a speedy and full return to health.”
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A lung nodule is a small lump of tissue that is usually detected following an X-ray or CT scan of the chest, according to the NHS.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pope and the first American to occupy the throne of St Peter.
Ordained in 1982, he spent several years as a missionary in Peru, where he became known for his work with marginalised communities.
