On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV revealed plans for surgery to excise a minor lung growth. The 71-year-old pontiff made the news during his weekly address to worshippers in St. Peter’s Square. He told the crowd that doctors found the issue during recent medical tests. The operation is set to take place in the coming days at a major hospital in Rome.
During his speech, the American-born leader explained the situation with clear details. “Recently, during some medical tests, doctors discovered a localized nodule in my lung,” he said, according to Breitbart. He noted that the growth was found early and is well contained. The Vatican confirmed the surgery is scheduled for early this week. Leo expects to stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for about one week to recover.
Medical experts define a lung nodule as a small abnormal area usually less than one inch. These spots sometimes appear on CT scans of the chest or abdomen. Many turn out to be benign rather than cancerous. The American Cancer Society notes they can result from old infections or inflammation. The Vatican has not said if this specific nodule is cancerous or given its exact size.
Pope Leo XIV tells the faithful gathered for the Angelus on Sunday that his doctors have found “a localized nodule” in his lung and will operate in a few days.
He added that the nodule was “detected at a very early stage and is well localized.” https://t.co/1rTOE4WPUf
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 11, 2026
World leaders quickly offered their support following the announcement. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed her government’s backing for the pontiff. Italian President Sergio Mattarella also sent his “sincerest wishes for a peaceful recovery.” The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, wished the pope a “full and speedy recovery.” Matteo Bruni, serving as Director of the Holy See Press Office, informed journalists that recuperation should take roughly one week.
The hospital where Leo will stay has a special history. Following the 1981 attempt on Pope John Paul II’s life, Gemelli Hospital established a dedicated Papal suite. This room remains in use today for the current pontiff’s care. Leo has no known history of serious health problems before this. He is known to play tennis weekly and enjoys swimming at the papal retreat.
The surgery comes just before a major trip planned for November. Leo intends to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. The Vatican has not announced any changes to this itinerary yet. It remains unclear if the surgery will affect these travel plans.
Trump: U.S. Flags to Fly Half-Staff to Honor Pope Francis After Passing
https://t.co/cshxeSiQQr— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) April 21, 2025
This event recalls the health struggles of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. Francis died at age 88 after suffering from chronic respiratory problems. He had part of one lung removed when he was young. Francis was hospitalized at the same Gemelli Hospital for more than a month in 2025. Leo, the first American pope, maintains an active lifestyle unlike his frail predecessor.
Leo also addressed other matters recently, including the death penalty. He called the death penalty “inadmissible” in a social media post. This came as the Pentagon prepared to livestream the execution of a former soldier. Leo did not mention the soldier’s case directly in his health update. He simply asked for the faithful’s support during his recovery. “I entrust myself to your prayers,” he said to warm applause.
