Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung nodule surgery in coming days

Pope Leo XIV told thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 11 that doctors have discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung and have advised surgical removal, scheduling the procedure for the coming days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

The announcement, made during the Angelus prayer and later echoed in a tweet from the Pope’s @Pontifex account, emphasized that the nodule was detected at a very early stage and is well‑situated, offering reassurance that prompt treatment is possible.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the operation is expected to require about a week of recovery, adding that the Pope will remain under close medical supervision at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, which maintains a special papal suite for such occasions.

In his remarks, the 71‑year‑old pontiff expressed gratitude for the “spiritual closeness” of the faithful and asked that prayers accompany him. He noted that he has no known serious health problems and continues an active routine that includes weekly tennis matches and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella each issued statements wishing the Pope a swift recovery, praising the calm manner in which he conveyed the news. The Pope’s upcoming November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru was mentioned, with the pontiff indicating his intention to honor the itinerary despite the surgery.

The health issue recalls the late Pope Francis, who suffered chronic lung disease and ultimately died in 2025. While the Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is malignant, medical experts note that most lung nodules are benign, though they can require removal to rule out cancer.

The surgery is slated for the first days of the week, and the Vatican expects the Pope to resume his duties shortly after the recovery period, pending the results of the procedure.