Pope Leo XIV announced that he will undergo surgery to remove a nodule on his lung, the Vatican said. The 71‑year‑old pontiff said the nodule was detected in an early stage and was well localized, and that doctors had advised a surgical removal.
During his Sunday noon blessing, Leo told those gathered outside the Vatican that the operation had been scheduled for the coming days and that he would appreciate prayers for a smooth recovery. He added that the procedure would be performed in the first days of next week and that the estimated post‑operative recovery time would be about one week.
The Vatican’s press office confirmed the timing of the operation and the expected recovery period. It also noted that a major trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru is planned for November 6‑17, and that it is not yet clear whether the surgery and recovery will affect that itinerary.
Leo, who was appointed pope in May 2025, is the Church’s first American pontiff and has no previously known health problems. He is known for staying physically active, playing tennis and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
