Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV's Health Concerns

Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery to remove a nodule on his lung, which was discovered during a recent medical check. The 71-year-old pope made the announcement during his Sunday noon blessing, thanking the crowd for their closeness and entrusting himself to their prayers. As the pope stated, "doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is circumscribed. The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it."

Medical Details

The nodule, which is a small abnormal area measuring less than 3 centimeters, was found at an early stage and is considered well-localized. According to the American Cancer Society, a lung nodule is sometimes detected on a CT scan of the chest or abdomen, often during investigations into trauma or lung infections unrelated to lung cancer screenings.

Surgery and Recovery

The surgery is expected to take place in the coming days, with an anticipated recovery time of around one week. The pope will undergo the operation at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where his predecessor, Pope Francis, was treated before his death in 2025. The hospital has a special apartment for pontiffs and has frequently treated popes since John Paul II. As stated by Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, the pope is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately one week at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he will continue his recovery following the operation.

Upcoming Trip to South America

The pope's upcoming trip to South America, scheduled for November 6-17, is not expected to be affected by the surgery, according to the pope's own remarks. During his Angelus prayers, the pope explicitly referred to his upcoming visit to Peru, thanking the faithful for their prayers for the pastoral visit. As the pope said, "Thank you for your prayers for the pastoral visit I will make to Peru."

Reactions and Support

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has expressed her support for the pope, praising his calmness and serenity in the face of the upcoming surgery. Meloni stated that the pope's attitude was reassuring and that she and the Italian government were offering their personal closeness and support during this challenging time. As Meloni said, "the serenity and calm with which he spoke about it" were reassuring.

Previous Health Issues

Pope Leo XIV's predecessor, Pope Francis, died on April 21, 2025, after a long hospitalization due to a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Francis had suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. In contrast, Pope Leo XIV has no previously known health problems and is considered physically active, with weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

Detail	Information
Age of Pope Leo XIV	71
Size of the nodule	Less than 3 centimeters
Recovery time	Around one week
Location of the surgery	Rome's Gemelli hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nature of the pope's health issue?

The pope has a nodule on his lung, which is a small abnormal area measuring less than 3 centimeters.

When is the surgery expected to take place?

The surgery is expected to take place in the coming days.

Will the pope's upcoming trip to South America be affected by the surgery?

According to the pope's own remarks, the trip is not expected to be affected by the surgery.

As the pope prepares to undergo surgery, the Catholic Church and the world await the outcome of the operation. The pope's calmness and serenity in the face of this challenge have been reassuring, and his upcoming trip to South America is expected to proceed as planned. The next update on the pope's health is expected after the surgery, which will likely take place early this week.