Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery after early-stage nodule detected
The 71-year-old Pope announced he will have an operation on a lung nodule identified during a routine check-up, with the procedure scheduled for early next week.
Pope Leo XIV said a medical examination revealed a small, well-localised nodule on his lung and that he will undergo surgery in the coming days. He told the faithful during his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square that doctors consider the growth "well-contained" and caught at an early stage, and that he has agreed to the intervention.
"The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung," the Pope said.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the operation is planned for the first days of next week at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where a special papal suite remains in use. The spokesperson added that the Pope is expected to need about a week of recovery.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella expressed solidarity and wishes for a swift recovery, while Israel's President Isaac Herzog also sent recovery wishes.
Despite the upcoming procedure, the Pope reaffirmed that his scheduled November visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will proceed as planned. Archbishop Daniel Sturla of Montevideo said preparations for the tour will continue with greater enthusiasm and asked for prayers for the Pope's health.