Pope Leo XIV Schedules Lung Nodule Surgery in Rome

Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery in Rome after doctors discovered a localized nodule in his lung during medical examinations, the 71-year-old pontiff announced on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The Vatican said the procedure is scheduled for early next week, with an estimated recovery period of about one week.

The first American pope said medical specialists recommended removing the nodule because of their findings. He described the abnormality as localized and detected at an early stage, but the Vatican has not announced whether it is cancerous.

Addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square during his weekly Angelus prayer, Leo explained the medical recommendation and his decision to proceed with the operation.

"The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung," Pope Leo XIV said during the Sunday address.

The pontiff added that his medical team considered intervention advisable and that he had accepted its recommendation. He also reassured the congregation that the growth was "well-contained" and identified "at an early stage," according to the BBC's report.

At the conclusion of his address, Leo expressed gratitude for the support he had received from the faithful.

"I entrust myself to your prayers," Pope Leo XIV said, as reported by NBC News.

Thousands of people were gathered in the square for the prayer, and the announcement prompted applause, according to NBC News.

Vatican Press Office spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed the timing of the planned operation and provided an estimate for the pontiff's recovery.

"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, the Holy See Press Office spokesperson, said, according to NBC News.

Vatican News reported that the procedure will take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The hospital maintains a dedicated papal suite established after the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in May 1981.

A lung nodule is a small area of dense tissue. CNN reported that most lung nodules are noncancerous, although the Vatican has not provided a specific diagnosis for Leo's condition.

The announcement comes as the pontiff continues his public duties and prepares for an international trip scheduled for November 6-17. According to CNN and NBC News, the planned itinerary includes Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.

The Vatican has not announced whether the operation or recovery period will affect the November visit. Leo is known to remain physically active, including playing tennis, and the reports described no previously known health problems.

Born Robert Francis Prevost, Leo became the 267th pope in 2025, succeeding Pope Francis. Before his election, he spent many years working in Peru, including ministry among marginalized communities and leadership within the Vatican's office responsible for bishops.