Pope Leo XIV has announced he will undergo surgery within days to remove a small nodular lesion discovered on his lung, telling the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square on Sunday that doctors detected the growth at an early stage and are confident in proceeding with its removal.
The 71-year-old American pontiff made the disclosure during his Sunday noon blessing, thanking the crowd for their closeness and asking for their prayers as he prepares to go under the knife.
What Pope Leo XIV Said About His Diagnosis
Speaking in Italian, Leo told those assembled that the nodule was found during a recent routine medical check. "Doctors found a small, localised nodule in my lung," he said, describing it as detected at a very early stage and as "circumscribed", meaning it is well-contained and has not spread.
He said medical advice was to act promptly, and he had resolved to follow that recommendation. "The doctors believe it's best to take action, so, following their advice, I've decided to have surgery to remove it," he told the crowd, adding that the procedure was already scheduled.
The Vatican subsequently confirmed that surgery would take place in the first days of the current week, with a recovery period of approximately one week expected.
Where the Surgery Will Take Place
Leo is expected to have the procedure performed at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the institution that has treated multiple popes and which maintains a dedicated apartment for pontiffs on its premises. The hospital's familiarity with papal care makes it the natural choice for the surgery.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voiced her support and that of the Italian government, describing Leo's composed and serene manner in addressing the situation as reassuring.
Leo's Health and Fitness Background
Unlike his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV has no previously known health problems and is widely regarded as physically active. He is understood to play tennis weekly and to swim regularly at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, habits that paint a picture of a robust constitution heading into the procedure.
The contrast with the late Pope Francis is notable. Francis, who died on 21 April 2025 following a stroke brought on by a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia, had suffered from chronic lung disease for much of his life and had part of one lung removed as a young man.
Impact on Planned South American Visit
The timing of the surgery raises questions about a significant international trip Leo has scheduled for early November. Beginning on 6 November, the itinerary includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It is not yet clear whether the surgery or any extended recovery period will require changes to those plans.
However, during his Sunday remarks Leo indicated he still intends to make the journey, offering some reassurance to those awaiting his visits in South America. With a recovery window of around one week cited by the Vatican, the trip remains on the calendar for now.
