Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery this week for early-stage nodule

Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small, early-stage nodule discovered during recent medical examinations. The 71-year-old pontiff made the announcement during his Sunday noon blessing at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, describing the nodule as well-localized and detected at a very early stage. He said his medical team recommended the procedure and he had decided to follow their advice.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the operation is scheduled for the first days of the week at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, with an estimated recovery period of approximately one week. A lung nodule is a small mass of dense tissue on the lung, and most are non-cancerous. According to medical sources, less than 5 percent of lung nodules are ultimately diagnosed as cancer, though risk varies with age, nodule size, and other factors.

Leo has no previously known health problems and is known for his physical activity, including weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. The pontiff, born Robert Francis Provost, became the first American pope when he was elected in 2025. He spent more than 20 years as a missionary in Peru before his appointment to lead the Vatican's office of bishops.

The announcement raised questions about Leo's scheduled international travel. He is due to undertake a major apostolic visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. During his Sunday remarks, Leo confirmed the trip would proceed as planned. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella all expressed support and wished him a full recovery. The announcement comes nearly a year and a half after Leo succeeded Pope Francis, who died in April 2025 following respiratory complications.