Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodular lesion on his lung, which was recently discovered during medical checks. The 71-year-old pontiff stated the nodule was found at an early stage and was well-localized.

The Vatican indicated that the surgery is scheduled for the early days of the week, with an expected recovery period of one week. The American-born pope made the announcement during his Sunday noon blessing, thanking the crowd for their closeness and asking for their prayers.

According to the American Cancer Society, a lung nodule is a small abnormal area, less than 3 centimeters in diameter, that can appear on CT scans of the chest or abdomen. These scans are often performed to investigate issues unrelated to lung cancer screening, such as trauma or infection.

Pope Leo XIV has no known prior health issues and is described as physically active, engaging in weekly tennis games and swimming. He has a significant trip planned from November 6-17 to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. While it remains unclear if the surgery and recovery will impact this itinerary, the Pope indicated his intention to proceed with the visit.

"During a recent medical check, doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung," Leo said in remarks delivered in Italian. "It was detected at a very early stage and is circumscribed. The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it."

He added, "The surgery is already scheduled for the coming days. Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers."

Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, passed away on April 21, 2025, due to a stroke that followed a prolonged hospitalization for a respiratory crisis, which had developed into double pneumonia. Francis had a history of chronic lung disease and had part of a lung removed in his youth.

It is anticipated that Leo will undergo the procedure at Rome's Gemelli hospital, a facility that has treated past popes and includes a dedicated apartment for pontiffs. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni conveyed her support, and that of the Italian government, to Pope Leo XIV as he faces this health challenge, noting that his "serenity and calm" were reassuring.