The 71-year-old pontiff announces surgery scheduled for this week at Rome's Gemelli Hospital
Category: Health
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in history, announced on October 11, 2026, that he will undergo surgery to remove a localized nodule in his lung. The 71-year-old leader of the Catholic Church revealed the news during his weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square, addressing thousands of faithful gathered below. He expressed gratitude for their support and entrusted himself to their prayers as he prepares for the operation.
During a recent medical examination, doctors detected a small, well-defined nodule in Pope Leo’s lung, which they described as being in a very early stage and well localized. "Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung," the Pope stated. "It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized. The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it," he added, emphasizing the importance of taking action.
The surgery is scheduled for the first days of this week at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, a facility known for treating popes, including the late Pope Francis. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the expected length of the postoperative recovery time will be about one week. The pontiff reassured the public that he is physically active, engaging in weekly tennis games and swimming, and has no previously known health problems.
A lung nodule is a small abnormal area that can appear on a CT scan, often discovered incidentally during examinations for other health issues. According to the American Cancer Society, nodules measuring less than 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) are typically benign, and fewer than 5% of lung nodules prove to be cancerous. Factors such as age, size, and smoking history can influence the likelihood of malignancy.
In the Pope's case, the nodule was detected early, which is promising. Medical experts suggest that when there is sufficient concern, surgical removal can provide a definitive diagnosis. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown University, noted that lung nodules are fairly common and often benign, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring and intervention when necessary.
This health announcement marks the first major health scare of Pope Leo XIV's tenure since he was elected as the 267th pope in May 2025. His predecessor, Pope Francis, faced numerous health challenges before his passing in April 2025, which has led to heightened concern for the current pontiff's well-being. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with Pope Leo, stating, "I would like to express to the Holy Father my personal support, and that of the Italian government, as he faces this challenge in the coming days." Meloni also remarked on the Pope's calm demeanor during his address, which she found reassuring.
The Pope's surgery will require him to cancel certain engagements, including the closing Mass of an international meeting on the family, which was set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation, *Amoris Laetitia*. Nonetheless, he has indicated that he plans to proceed with his scheduled trip to South America, which includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17.
As the Pope prepares for surgery, the public will follow closely closely to see how his recovery progresses and whether it impacts his upcoming travel plans. In his remarks, he expressed hope for the pastoral visit, thanking the faithful for their prayers. "Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I will make to Peru," he said, highlighting his commitment to fulfilling his duties as pontiff.
The Vatican has not specified whether the nodule is malignant, which adds an element of uncertainty surrounding the procedure. As Pope Leo XIV embarks on this medical intervention, the global Catholic community remains united in prayer and support for their leader during this challenging time. The Pope's ability to navigate this health issue with grace will undoubtedly resonate with many, reinforcing his role as a source of strength and inspiration for millions around the world.
With the surgery set to take place shortly, the pontiff's recovery will be closely monitored, and updates are expected from the Vatican following the operation. The Pope's health and the outcome of this surgery will be of great interest, not just to the Catholic faithful but to the broader public as well, particularly in light of the legacy of his predecessor's health struggles.