Pope Leo XIV announces surgery to remove a lung nodule. Credit : Riccardo De Luca - Update, Shutterstock
Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will have a lung operation in the coming days, after a nodule was discovered during recent medical examinations. The 71-year-old pontiff made the announcement on Sunday, October 11, while addressing pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square following the Angelus prayer.
From the window of the Apostolic Palace after the traditional Angelus prayer, the Pope explained that the nodule had been detected at a very early stage and was well localised.
The doctors advised a surgical operation to remove it, and the procedure has already been scheduled. The Pope confirmed that the operation is scheduled for the coming days, while Vatican sources indicated that he is expected to remain in hospital for approximately a week afterwards.
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is benign or malignant, and no cancer diagnosis has been announced.
Pope Leo XIV explains why doctors recommended lung surgery
Rather than leave the announcement to Vatican officials, Pope Leo XIV chose to address his health directly during his Sunday appearance.
In a statement published on the Vatican’s official website, the Pope explained that recent medical examinations had revealed a small nodule in one of his lungs.
He said the abnormality had been discovered early and was confined to a specific area, leading doctors to recommend an operation.
Following their advice, he agreed to undergo surgery to remove it.
The Pope also thanked those who had expressed their support and asked the faithful to remember him in their prayers.
The exact date of the operation has not yet been announced, although the Pope confirmed that it is scheduled to take place in the coming days.
According to Reuters, the Vatican expects his recovery to take around seven days.
What is known about the Pope’s lung nodule?
A lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue that can be detected during medical imaging, sometimes before a person experiences any noticeable symptoms.
Such nodules can have several causes, including previous infections, inflammation or abnormal cell growth. Many are benign, although some require further investigation to rule out more serious conditions.
In Pope Leo XIV‘s case, the Vatican has provided only limited medical information.
The pontiff has confirmed that the nodule was discovered during recent examinations, that it was identified at a very early stage and that doctors considered surgery the appropriate course of action.
No further details have been released about its size, the specific surgical technique or the results of any additional investigations.
Will Pope Leo XIV’s surgery affect his upcoming engagements?
The announcement comes as Pope Leo XIV prepares for another period of international engagements, including a planned pastoral visit to South America in November.
According to the Associated Press, the Pope is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6.
The trip would take him to several countries with substantial Catholic communities and represents an important part of his international programme.
At the time of Sunday’s announcement, no cancellation of the planned journey had been confirmed.
However, the operation and subsequent recovery period could require adjustments to his immediate schedule, depending on medical advice.
For Catholics in Spain, Britain and elsewhere, attention will now turn to the Vatican’s next official medical update and confirmation of when the operation will take place.
Until further details are released, the Pope’s own announcement remains the clearest account of his condition: doctors have identified a localised lung nodule, recommended its removal and scheduled surgery in the coming days.