Pope Leo XIV Schedules Lung Surgery in Rome

Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations, the Vatican announced on October 11, 2026. The procedure is scheduled to take place at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after doctors recommended surgical intervention, with the 71-year-old pontiff expected to need approximately one week to recover.

The Pope disclosed the diagnosis during his Sunday Angelus address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. According to Vatican News and the BBC, he described the abnormality as localized and detected at an early stage.

The pontiff explained that his medical team had recommended an operation following the examinations. He said, "The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung," according to the BBC's report of his remarks.

In a working English translation of the Pope's October 11 address, Vatican News reported his fuller explanation of the diagnosis and decision to proceed with surgery.

"Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized. The doctors believe surgery is appropriate.

Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers," Pope Leo XIV said.

The Pope reassured those attending the address that the finding had been identified early. His announcement confirmed that he had accepted his doctors' recommendation and would proceed with the planned treatment.

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, provided further details about the schedule and expected recovery period in responses to journalists' questions. The Vatican's announcement placed the operation in the first days of the following week.

"The operation is scheduled for the first days of this week and the estimated post-operative recovery time will be about one week," Bruni said.

The BBC separately reported that the Pope's medical team considered intervention appropriate and that the pontiff had agreed to the recommendation. Vatican News identified Gemelli Hospital in Rome as the location for the procedure.

The announcement did not provide further medical details about the nodule or specify the exact date and time of the operation. The latest information from the Vatican indicated that the procedure was planned for the coming days, followed by an estimated recovery period of approximately one week.