Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery for lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, October 11, that he will undergo surgery to remove a small, localized lung nodule. The 71-year-old pontiff shared the news with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square following the weekly Angelus prayer, noting that the growth was detected during recent medical examinations. He stated that he accepted his medical team's recommendation to proceed with the operation.

The procedure is scheduled to take place at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic early in the week. Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni indicated that the Pope is expected to require a recovery period of approximately one week. While the nature of the tissue has not been disclosed, the Pope described the nodule as small and caught at an early stage.

Despite the upcoming surgery, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope’s planned apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November remains on the schedule. Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis 18 months ago, thanked the faithful for their prayers and spiritual support as he prepares for the medical intervention.