Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations, with the Vatican indicating that his recovery is expected to take about a week.
The 71-year-old pontiff announced the development on Sunday, October 11, during his weekly Angelus address in St Peter’s Square, telling worshippers that the growth had been detected at a very early stage and was well-localised. The Vatican subsequently confirmed that the operation would take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
“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,” Leo said.
Explaining his decision to proceed with surgery, the pope added: “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.”
He thanked those who had offered spiritual support and asked the faithful to continue praying for him.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, said the procedure was expected to take place in the first days of the week and that the pope’s recovery would require approximately seven days. The Vatican has not publicly disclosed the exact nature of the nodule or whether it is cancerous.
The announcement has drawn attention because it represents a significant medical development during Leo’s papacy, which began in May 2025. However, the pope’s statement and the Vatican’s briefing have provided limited clinical details, and no diagnosis beyond the discovery of the lung nodule has been announced.
Lung nodules are small areas of abnormal tissue that can have a range of causes, including non-cancerous conditions. Their discovery does not, by itself, establish that a person has cancer. The pope’s medical team has recommended removal, but the Vatican has not released further information about the findings or the anticipated results of the procedure.
The operation is expected to take place at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, a major medical centre that has treated previous popes. The hospital has a dedicated medical facility for the pontiff.
Despite the planned surgery, reports indicate that Leo’s scheduled pastoral visit to Latin America remains on the calendar. The 11-day trip is due to begin on November 6 and includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. No cancellation of the visit had been announced in the reporting available on October 12.
The visit will carry particular significance in Peru, where Leo, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, spent years serving as a missionary and bishop and became a naturalised citizen. His planned itinerary is expected to include religious events and meetings with local communities.
