Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Surgery for Lung Nodule

Pope Leo XIV departed the Vatican on Tuesday for a hospital in Rome, where he is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a nodule from his lung. The Vatican press office confirmed his admission to the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, stating that the procedure would be performed by a thoracic surgery team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora.

The pontiff had announced on Sunday that he would undergo surgery for a nodule discovered in his lung. He stated at the time that the nodule was found in an early stage and was well-localized, with doctors deeming intervention opportune. The Vatican indicated that additional information would be provided on Tuesday evening. His recovery at the hospital was expected to last about a week.

A lung nodule, also known as a pulmonary nodule, is defined by the American Lung Association as a small mass of dense tissue on the lung. Pope Leo XIV, who is 71 years old, was elected the church's 267th pontiff in May 2025. He is the first American pope, previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, commented on the pontiff's announcement, noting his "serenity." He added that prayers and affection would accompany the Pope throughout the process. Gemelli Hospital, formally the Policlinico Universitario Fondazione Agostino Gemelli, is Rome's largest hospital and has served as the primary medical facility for popes, including his predecessor, Pope Francis.