Pope Leo to Undergo Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule

Pope Leo XIV says he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations.

The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed this on Sunday during his weekly Angelus address to worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

He said the growth was detected at a very early stage and was well localised, adding that his doctors had recommended surgery.

“The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days,” the pope said in a statement posted on the website of the Vatican news, the official news service of the Holy See.

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See press office, said the operation was expected to take place early in the week, with the pope anticipated to spend an estimated one week in post-operative recovery.

A lung nodule (pulmonary nodule) is a small mass of tissue in the lung that shows up as a white spot on a chest X-ray or CT scan.

Leo thanked worshippers for their support and prayers ahead of the operation.

The planned procedure comes as the pope prepares for a pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru scheduled for November 6 to 17.

It is not yet clear whether the surgery will affect the trip. Leo, who was elected pope in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church.