Pope Leo XIV is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a small localised nodule on his lung during a medical examination.
Key Highlights
- Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery after doctors found a small localised nodule on his lung.
- The 71-year-old pontiff announced it during his Sunday Angelus at St. Peter’s Square.
- He said the nodule is well-contained and was detected early.
- The operation is scheduled for early next week at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
- Recovery is expected to take about one week, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday, while addressing worshippers during his weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
According to the Pope, his medical team recommended surgery after identifying the growth, and he has agreed to the procedure.
He reassured pilgrims that the nodule is well-contained and has been detected at an early stage, expressing hope through his comments that the situation has been identified before it progressed further.
At the end of his address, Pope Leo thanked those who have expressed concern and offered prayers for his well-being, saying he is relying on their spiritual support.
Surgery Scheduled At Gemelli Hospital
The Holy See Press Office spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, said the operation is scheduled for the early part of the following week.
Bruni added that the Pope is expected to require approximately one week to recover from the procedure.
Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See, reported that the surgery would take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The hospital has a dedicated suite for the Pope, established following the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. The facility has remained available for papal medical care.
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Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became head of the Roman Catholic Church in 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. He is the 267th occupant of the papal throne and the first American to lead the Church.
Ordained a priest in 1982, he spent several years as a missionary in Peru, where he worked with marginalised communities and became known for his efforts to promote dialogue and build relationships across communities.
His planned surgery comes as Catholics and other well-wishers await further updates on his health and recovery.
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