VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has announced plans to undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during a recent medical examination, raising concerns about the health of the 71-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while addressing worshippers gathered at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City for his weekly Angelus prayer.
According to the Pope, the nodule was detected at an early stage and is well localised. Following medical advice, he has agreed to undergo an operation to remove the growth.
“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localised nodule in my lung,” the Pope said, explaining that his medical team considered surgical intervention appropriate.
He added that the operation had already been scheduled for the coming days.
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Despite the announcement, the Pope sought to reassure the faithful, stressing that the growth had been detected early and was confined to a specific area.
Vatican Confirms Surgery Schedule
The Holy See Press Office spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that the operation was scheduled for the early days of the following week.
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Bruni also disclosed that the Pope was expected to require approximately one week to recover following the procedure.
According to Vatican News, the operation is scheduled to take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a major medical facility that has historically provided treatment for pontiffs.
The hospital maintains a dedicated suite for papal patients, established following the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.
The Vatican has not publicly confirmed whether the lung nodule is cancerous. Further medical details may become available as the situation develops.
Pope Thanks Faithful for Their Prayers
Following the announcement, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to Catholics and other well-wishers around the world for their spiritual support.
He concluded his Angelus address by thanking those who had shown him spiritual closeness and entrusting himself to their prayers.
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The announcement has drawn attention to the health of the pontiff, who became the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church following his election in May 2025.
Italian Prime Minister Expresses Solidarity
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, expressed her personal solidarity with the Pope as he prepares for the medical procedure.
In a message shared on X, Meloni conveyed her support as the pontiff faces the upcoming operation.
Her message reflects the wider attention surrounding the Pope’s health, given his position as head of the Catholic Church and a prominent religious figure internationally.
Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV was elected to succeed Pope Francis in May 2025, becoming the 267th occupant of the papal throne and the first American-born pontiff.
He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1982 and spent many years serving as a missionary in Peru, where he became known for his work with marginalised communities.
His experience in pastoral ministry and church leadership helped shape his career before his election as Pope.
The pontiff is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November 2026. During his Sunday address, he confirmed that the planned trip would still go ahead despite the upcoming operation.
The visit is expected to be particularly significant in Peru, where he spent years of his ministry.
What Is a Lung Nodule?
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that is often discovered during medical imaging, including chest X-rays and CT scans.
Lung nodules can have several causes, including previous infections, inflammation and, in some cases, cancer. Their discovery does not automatically mean that a person has cancer.
Medical professionals assess factors such as the nodule’s size, appearance, location and changes over time to determine the appropriate course of action. Depending on the findings, monitoring, further tests or surgical removal may be recommended.
In Pope Leo XIV’s case, the Vatican has said that doctors identified the nodule at an early stage and recommended surgery. No confirmed diagnosis of cancer has been announced.
As the pontiff prepares for the procedure, Catholics and well-wishers around the world will be watching for further updates on his condition and recovery.
