Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations, with the pontiff saying doctors detected it at a very early stage.

The 71-year-old announced the planned operation during his weekly Angelus address in St Peter’s Square, explaining that he had decided to proceed on the advice of his medical team.

“During recent medical checks, a nodule on my lung was found. It has been detected at a very early stage and is very localised,” he said.

The Pope added that doctors believed surgery was the appropriate course of action and that the procedure had been scheduled for the coming days.

Vatican expects recovery to take about a week

Following the announcement, the Vatican press office confirmed that Leo was expected to undergo the operation within days.

The anticipated recovery period was estimated at around one week. The procedure was scheduled to take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a medical facility that has treated several popes, including Pope John Paul II.

The Vatican has not provided further details about the nature of the lung nodule beyond the Pope’s statement that it was detected early and was localised.

It also remains unclear whether the procedure and recovery period will affect his upcoming public engagements or international travel.

Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November.

World leaders and Catholic communities offer support

The Pope’s announcement prompted messages of support from political leaders and Catholic figures.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she had been reassured by the calmness with which Leo addressed the public during his Angelus prayers.

She expressed her personal support, as well as that of the Italian government, as he prepared for the operation.

Archbishop Daniel Sturla of Montevideo urged Catholics to pray for the Pope’s speedy recovery while continuing preparations for his planned visit to Uruguay.

Argentina’s bishops’ conference also called on Catholics to join a special prayer for the pontiff, asking that the operation go well and that he make a full recovery.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo became the first American pope when he was elected on 8 May 2025, following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on 21 April 2025.

As leader of the world’s estimated 1.4 billion Catholics, Leo has gradually established his own approach to the papacy, addressing issues ranging from international conflicts to the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

His public interventions have included criticism of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began in February 2026.

Leo condemned US President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iran as “truly unacceptable” and urged Americans to press their lawmakers to work towards peace.

Trump subsequently criticised the pontiff over his approach to crime and foreign policy. Leo responded that he had a moral duty to speak out.

As the Pope prepares for surgery, attention will turn to his recovery and whether the procedure will affect his schedule in the coming weeks.

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Source: IOL