Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery for Lung Nodule
Pontiff announces discovery of early-stage nodule and upcoming procedure.
Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he is scheduled to undergo surgery in the "next few days" after doctors discovered a nodule on his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff made the announcement during his weekly appearance at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.
"Recently during some check ups doctors found a circumscribed nodule in my lung," Pope Leo said. "It was found in a very initial phase and well localized. The doctors think it is opportune to intervene."
The Vatican press office confirmed that the procedure is scheduled for early this week, and the expected hospital stay is approximately one week. Pope Leo is slated to be operated on at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, a facility frequently used by popes, including his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, is the first American pontiff and the Catholic Church's 267th leader. He was elected in May 2025.
Before sharing news of his upcoming surgery, the pontiff greeted a Peruvian Catholic group, mentioning an upcoming apostolic visit to Peru. He also acknowledged a planned trip to Uruguay and Argentina between Nov. 6 and Nov. 17, suggesting these travel plans may still be on.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with the Holy Father, stating that her government was standing with him as he faces the upcoming ordeal. She added that the "serenity and calm with which he spoke about it... are a source of comfort."