Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a localized nodule on his lung, marking the first major medical procedure since his election as the first U.S.-born pontiff last year. Speaking during his regular Sunday blessing at St. Peter’s Square, the 71-year-old pontiff said the nodule was detected at an early stage and described it as well circumscribed. He stated that following the advice of his doctors, he had decided to have the lesion surgically removed.
Vatican officials said the operation is scheduled for early this week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the same facility where previous popes, including his predecessor Pope Francis, received treatment. The hospital has a special apartment designated for pontiffs. Leo’s spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, indicated that the expected recovery period would be approximately one week. Although the timing of the surgery could affect the pope’s schedule, Vatican sources suggest that the procedure is not anticipated to interfere significantly with his upcoming 12-day pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, planned from November 6 to 17.
Lung nodules are small abnormal areas seen on scans, usually less than an inch in diameter. They can be benign or malignant, but because imaging alone cannot definitively distinguish between the two, surgical removal is often recommended when there is concern and the nodule is accessible, especially in otherwise healthy patients. Specialists noted that the rate of malignancy in lung nodules is generally low—below five percent—though factors like patient age and nodule size can elevate the risk. Experts emphasized that ignoring such findings is not advisable, underscoring the importance of timely evaluation and intervention.
Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, said surgery often provides a definitive diagnosis and can be curative if the nodule is cancerous and caught early. Other medical professionals highlighted that, while surgery might seem daunting, it is typically straightforward with a rapid recovery, particularly for physically fit patients like the pope. Pope Leo is known to maintain an active lifestyle with regular swimming and tennis.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for the pope, commending his calm and composed announcement and wishing him well in facing the upcoming challenge. No further medical details about the nature of the nodule or Leo’s overall health were disclosed. This development follows the death of Pope Francis in April 2025 from a stroke after a prolonged illness linked to chronic lung disease, which included pneumonia complications.
The pope concluded his remarks by thanking the faithful for their prayers and expressed confidence in the upcoming surgical procedure. He also sought spiritual support as he prepared for the forthcoming trip to Latin America, a significant journey that includes visits to countries central to his ministry and personal history.