Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule

Pope Leo XIV has announced plans to undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations, with doctors recommending the procedure in the coming days.

The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 11, saying the nodule had been detected at a very early stage and was well localised.

According to Vatican News, the Pope said he had decided to proceed with the operation on medical advice. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni indicated that the procedure would take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with recovery expected to last about a week.

Pope Leo thanked the faithful for their spiritual support and asked them to keep him in their prayers ahead of the surgery.

The announcement has also raised questions about his planned pastoral visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November.

As of the latest reports, no change to the trip had been announced. The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is benign or malignant.