Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery to remove a small nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations, with the Vatican expecting the pontiff to need about a week to recover.
The 71-year-old pope disclosed the diagnosis during his Sunday noon blessing, explaining that the abnormality had been detected at an early stage and was confined to a specific area.
He said his doctors had recommended surgery and that he had agreed to proceed with the treatment in the coming days.
“Doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is circumscribed,” Leo said in remarks delivered in Italian.
“The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it.”
The pope thanked those who had offered their support and asked the public to keep him in their prayers.
The Vatican later confirmed that the operation was scheduled for the first days of the week, with recovery expected to take approximately seven days.
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue, generally measuring less than three centimetres, that can be detected through chest imaging. Such nodules can have several causes and are not necessarily cancerous.
South American tour still planned
The surgery comes ahead of a major overseas trip scheduled for November 6 to 17, when Leo is expected to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
It remains unclear whether the operation and recovery period will affect the planned itinerary. However, the pope indicated during his Sunday remarks that he still intended to make the trip.
Leo has generally been regarded as physically active, reportedly playing tennis regularly and swimming during stays at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. No previous major health problems have been publicly reported.
He is expected to receive treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a medical centre with a long history of treating popes. The hospital has a dedicated apartment for pontiffs and cared for Pope Francis during his final illness.
Italian government expresses support
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for Leo on behalf of herself and the Italian government as he prepares for the operation.
In a statement, she offered encouragement ahead of the procedure and said the pope’s calm manner when discussing his condition was reassuring.
Meloni had been among the few people outside the Vatican to visit Pope Francis during his prolonged final hospitalization.
Francis died on April 21, 2025, following a stroke after a period of serious illness that included a respiratory crisis and double pneumonia. He had a history of chronic lung disease and underwent surgery to remove part of one lung when he was young.
Leo’s upcoming procedure has drawn attention partly because of his predecessor’s medical history. However, the Vatican’s account indicates that the current nodule was identified early and that doctors have recommended removing it.
The pope has thanked supporters for their concern as he prepares for treatment, while the Vatican expects him to spend about a week recovering after surgery.
