Pope Leo XIV Announces Lung Surgery After Doctors Discover Nodule

Pope Leo XIV has revealed that he will undergo surgery after doctors discovered a small nodule in one of his lungs during recent medical examinations. The pontiff said the abnormality was detected at an early stage and is well-localised, but doctors have recommended removing it.

The Pope shared the health update on Sunday, October 11, through a post on his official X account, explaining that he had decided to proceed with surgery following medical advice.

“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung,” he wrote. He added that the finding had been made early and that the nodule was confined to a specific area.

In the same message, Leo said the medical team believed an operation was the best course of action. He thanked those who had offered their support and asked people to keep him in their prayers.

Surgery Scheduled for Early Next Week

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed that the operation was scheduled for the first days of the following week. According to Vatican News, the Pope is expected to spend approximately one week recovering after surgery.

The procedure will take place at Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli in Rome, Italy, a hospital with a long history of treating popes.

Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the first United States-born leader of the worldwide Catholic Church following his election in May 2025.

News of the planned operation prompted messages of support from Italian political leaders. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her personal solidarity with the pontiff as he prepared for the days ahead, while President Sergio Mattarella offered his wishes for a peaceful recovery and a swift, complete return to health.

Pope Confirms Upcoming South American Tour

Despite the planned surgery, Pope Leo XIV confirmed that his visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru next month remained on the schedule.

The announcement provides an update on the pontiff’s immediate medical plans while leaving his upcoming international commitments in place.

Gemelli Hospital’s History of Treating Popes

The Gemelli hospital is well known for caring for previous leaders of the Catholic Church.

Pope John Paul II was treated there on several occasions, including after he was shot in an assassination attempt in 1981. He later underwent surgery to remove an intestinal tumour in 1992 and had his appendix removed in 1996.

The hospital subsequently became known as the “third Vatican”, alongside the Holy See and John Paul II’s summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome.

Pope Francis, Leo XIV’s immediate predecessor, was also admitted to Gemelli four times. His final stay included treatment for pneumonia, around two months before his death in 2025.

As Pope Leo prepares for surgery, messages from Italian leaders have focused on his recovery, while the Vatican’s announcement has outlined the expected timing of the procedure and the recovery period that will follow.