Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations, the pontiff announced earlier in the week.
The 71-year-old pope disclosed the finding during his weekly Angelus address to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the operation is scheduled for early this week at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, with recovery expected to take about a week.
“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized,” Leo said. “The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days.”
Leo thanked the faithful for their spiritual closeness and entrusted himself to their prayers. The Vatican has not said whether the nodule is malignant.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Leo became the first American pope when he succeeded Pope Francis in 2025. The announcement marks the first major health concern publicly reported during his pontificate. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her personal solidarity and the support of the Italian government ahead of the procedure.
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