Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a nodule on his lung during a medical examination. The 71-year-old pontiff shared the news while addressing pilgrims during his weekly Angelus prayer at St Peter’s Square in Rome.
According to the sources quoted by reports, “The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung,” he said, adding that his medical team recommended surgery and he had agreed to proceed.
The Pope reassured the public that the growth was “well-contained” and had been identified at an early stage. He also thanked people for their spiritual support and requested their prayers.
Holy See Press Office spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed that the procedure is scheduled for the beginning of next week. The Pope is expected to need around one week to recover. According to Vatican News, the surgery will take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, which has a dedicated papal suite.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her personal support for the pontiff ahead of the operation.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV became the 267th leader of the Catholic Church in 2025 and the first American to hold the position. Despite the upcoming procedure, he confirmed that his planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will go ahead.
