Pope Leo XIV Announces Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule

Pope Leo XIV announced Oct. 11 that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a localized lung nodule discovered during medical tests, with the Vatican saying the procedure is scheduled for early this week and recovery is expected to take about one week.

The 71-year-old pontiff revealed the condition during his Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, where he said doctors found the nodule at an early stage and recommended removal.

"Recently, during some medical tests, doctors discovered a localized nodule in my lung," Pope Leo XIV said.

Leo described the medical finding as limited and said doctors advised intervention. He announced the decision while addressing thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square.

"It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized," Pope Leo XIV said.

"The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed," Pope Leo XIV said.

The pope said the operation had already been arranged for the near future and thanked those present for their support.

"for the coming days," Pope Leo XIV said when referring to the timing of the surgery.

Leo later asked for continued support as he prepares for the procedure. The Vatican said he has no previously known health problems and remains physically active, including playing tennis.

"I entrust myself to your prayers," Pope Leo XIV said.

During the same address, Leo also appealed for an end to the war in Ukraine and for grain shipments across the Black Sea to continue safely.

"The daily bread of millions of people cannot be held hostage by war," Pope Leo XIV said.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni provided details on the planned medical schedule and recovery period after the announcement.

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

CNN reported that Leo described the discovery during the Angelus prayer, using additional wording about the medical checks and condition of the nodule.

"During some check-ups, doctors discovered a localized nodule on my lung," Pope Leo XIV said.

The pope also explained that doctors considered surgery appropriate after detecting the issue at an early stage. His planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru could be affected by the recovery period.

"It was detected at a very early stage and is well-defined. The doctors deem it advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it," Pope Leo XIV said.