Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a nodule on his lung during a medical examination, the pontiff has announced.
The 71-year-old Catholic leader disclosed the development during his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square in Rome, reassuring worshippers that the growth was localised and detected at an early stage.
“The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung,” he said.
Leo explained that his medical team had recommended surgery and that he had agreed to the procedure. He also thanked supporters for their concern and prayers. Matteo Bruni, a spokesperson for the Holy See Press Office, said the operation was scheduled for early the following week. The Pope was expected to require approximately one week to recover.
Vatican News, the Holy See’s official news portal, reported that the procedure would take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The hospital has a dedicated papal suite established following the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. The facility has continued to serve as a medical centre for pontiffs requiring hospital treatment.
World Leaders Wish Pope Speedy Recovery
News of the planned operation prompted messages of support from political leaders in Italy and beyond. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her personal solidarity with the Pope as he prepared for the procedure. Italian President Sergio Mattarella also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful recovery and a full return to health.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog joined the well-wishers, expressing hope that the pontiff would recover quickly. Leo’s upcoming surgery comes approximately a year and a half after he succeeded Pope Francis, who experienced several health complications during his papacy, including respiratory problems that required hospital treatment.
Despite the planned operation, the Pope confirmed that his scheduled November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru would still proceed. Daniel Sturla, the Archbishop of Montevideo, said preparations for the visit would continue with renewed enthusiasm while calling on the faithful to pray for the pontiff’s recovery.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue in the lung that is often detected through chest imaging. Such nodules can have several causes, including infection, inflammation and cancer, although many are benign. The significance of a nodule depends on factors such as its size, appearance and the patient’s medical history. Further medical assessment is generally required to determine its nature.
