Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery for Early-Stage Lung Growth
Doctors found a small spot, called a nodule, on Pope Leo’s lung during a checkup.
Leo said it was found very early and was well contained.
The Vatican has not said whether it is cancerous.
Doctors advised him to have an operation to remove it, and he plans to do so in the coming days.
One report said the operation will be at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The Vatican expects him to need about a week to recover.
He shared the news during a Sunday prayer address on October 11.
Italy’s prime minister wished him well.
Leo is also scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November.
Pope Leo XIV, 71, said doctors found a localized lung nodule during recent medical examinations.
He said it was detected very early and was well contained; the Vatican did not say whether it is malignant.
On October 11, Leo said he would have surgery to remove it in the coming days, following doctors’ advice.
One report said the operation would take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital; the Vatican expected recovery to take about a week.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support, while Leo also has an 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru planned for November 6–17.
- Who
- Pope Leo XIV; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support.
- What
- Leo said he would undergo surgery to remove a localized lung nodule.
- When
- He announced the surgery on October 11; it was scheduled for the next few days.
- Where
- Leo announced it during a Sunday prayer address in St. Peter’s Square; one report said surgery would take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
- Why
- Doctors found the nodule during medical examinations and advised removal.
- Pope’s age
- 71
- Finding
- A localized nodule on the lung, described by Leo as detected very early and well contained
- Malignancy
- The Vatican did not say whether the nodule is believed to be malignant
- Planned treatment
- Surgery to remove the nodule in the coming days
- Reported hospital
- Gemelli Hospital in Rome
- Expected recovery
- About one week, according to the Vatican press office
- Planned tour
- An 11-day visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6–17
