Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a small nodule in his lung after doctors detect the growth during recent medical examinations, with the procedure expected to take place this week in Rome.
The 71-year-old pontiff announced the planned operation during his Sunday Angelus address at St Peter’s Square, saying the nodule was detected at an early stage and was well-localised. The Vatican says the procedure will take place at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, with recovery expected to take about one week.
Speaking to worshippers, Pope Leo said his medical team recommended surgery and he had decided to follow their advice.
“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,” he said.
He added that the operation had already been scheduled for the coming days and thanked the faithful for their support.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” the Pope said.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists that the operation was scheduled for the first days of the week and that the estimated post-operative recovery period was about seven days.
Messages of support have also come from political leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her solidarity with the pontiff ahead of the procedure, while President Sergio Mattarella wished him a peaceful recovery and a speedy return to health. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also sent his wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the 267th pope following the death of Pope Francis in 2025. He is the first US-born pontiff and previously served as a missionary in Peru.
During Sunday’s address, he also confirmed plans to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November. Preparations for the trip are expected to continue as the Pope approaches his scheduled surgery.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that is often identified through imaging tests. Such nodules do not always cause symptoms, and many are non-cancerous.
Ademide Adebayo
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