VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations. The 71 year old pontiff said doctors detected the growth at a very early stage and found it well localized.
Leo made the announcement Sunday after leading the traditional Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square. He said his doctors had recommended surgery and that he had decided to follow their advice.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized,” the pope said
According to a working English translation of his Italian remarks published by Vatican News.
“The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he added.
Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni told reporters that the procedure was scheduled for the first days of the week at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital. The expected recovery period after surgery is about one week, according to Vatican News.
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is cancerous or provided further clinical details. Lung nodules are small areas of abnormal tissue that may result from infections, inflammation, scarring or cancer. Many are benign, and doctors determine the appropriate treatment based on their appearance, size and other medical findings.
The planned operation will allow doctors to remove the nodule, although the Vatican has not said whether further tests or treatment will be necessary. The pope’s description of the finding as early and localized should not be interpreted as a confirmed cancer diagnosis.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for Leo, offering solidarity on behalf of herself and the Italian government. She praised the composure with which he addressed his health during the Angelus and wished him well as he prepares for surgery, Reuters reported.
Gemelli Hospital has a long history of treating popes. Pope John Paul II was taken there after the assassination attempt against him in St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981. Pope Francis was also hospitalized there several times, including during his prolonged treatment for double pneumonia in 2025.
The pope’s health announcement has also raised questions about his upcoming international engagements. His schedule includes a pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17. The Vatican had not announced a cancellation in the reporting available at the time of the surgery announcement.
The pope concluded his announcement by thanking the faithful for their support and asking for their prayers. While the discovery has prompted concern among Catholics worldwide, the precise nature of the nodule remains undisclosed as he prepares to undergo surgery.
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