Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during a recent medical examination.
The 71-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church made the announcement on Sunday, October 11, during his weekly Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
According to the pontiff, the nodule was detected at a very early stage and is well localised. Following medical advice, he has decided to undergo an operation to have it removed.
The Vatican subsequently confirmed that the procedure was scheduled for the early part of the week. Officials said the expected postoperative recovery period would be approximately one week, although further details about the operation have not been disclosed.
The discovery does not automatically mean the Pope has cancer. Lung nodules can be either benign or malignant, and the Vatican has not announced whether the growth is cancerous. Further medical findings will be needed to determine its nature.
Pope Leo thanked the faithful for their support and prayers as he prepared for the procedure. News of his announcement has prompted messages of encouragement from religious communities and political leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Despite the upcoming surgery, the Pope has a major pastoral visit planned to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November. It remains uncertain whether the procedure or recovery period will affect any of his scheduled activities.
The announcement marks a significant public health development during Leo XIV’s papacy, which began in May 2025. Catholics around the world will be watching for further updates from the Vatican on his condition and recovery.
For now, the Vatican has emphasised that the nodule was identified early and that the Pope is following his doctors’ recommendations.
