Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery
The 71-year-old pontiff says doctors detected the growth at a very early stage and recommended surgery, with hospitalisation expected to last about a week.
By Avid Reporters
Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small, localised lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations, the Vatican has confirmed.
The 71-year-old pontiff announced the procedure on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, telling the faithful that the growth had been detected at a very early stage and was well localised.
According to Vatican News, the Pope said his doctors considered surgery advisable and that he had decided to follow their recommendation. He also thanked the faithful for their spiritual support and asked for their prayers ahead of the procedure.
The operation is scheduled to take place at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said the procedure was expected to take place in the early part of the week, with the Pope’s post-operative hospital stay estimated at approximately one week.
Vatican Yet to Disclose Nature of Lung Nodule
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the lung nodule is benign or malignant. Its early detection and localised nature have been highlighted in the Pope’s announcement, but these details alone do not establish the nodule’s diagnosis.
Lung nodules are small areas of abnormal tissue that can be detected during medical imaging. Many are benign and may be associated with previous infections, inflammation or scarring. However, some require further investigation or removal to determine their nature.
The decision to operate follows medical advice, but no additional clinical details have been publicly released in the Vatican’s announcement.
Catholics Worldwide Offer Prayers Ahead of Surgery
Following the announcement, Catholic leaders and faithful from different parts of the world began expressing support and offering prayers for the pontiff’s successful operation and recovery.
Vatican News reported that messages of solidarity and promises of prayer followed the Pope’s appeal for spiritual support.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in the United States, was elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, becoming the first American-born pope.
His upcoming surgery is a significant health development during his papacy. The Vatican has not announced a change to his planned pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, scheduled to begin on November 6, 2026, according to Reuters.
For now, attention remains on the planned procedure and the pontiff’s recovery. Further updates on his condition will depend on information released by the Vatican.
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