Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule discovered in his lung during a recent medical examination, with doctors expecting him to need about a week to recover.

The 71-year-old pontiff said the abnormality was detected at an early stage and was well localised. The Vatican confirmed that the procedure would take place in the first days of this week.

Leo disclosed the development during his Sunday noon blessing, thanking those who had expressed concern and asking the public to keep him in their prayers.

In remarks delivered in Italian, the pope said: “doctors found a small, localised nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is circumscribed. The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it.

“The surgery is already scheduled for the coming days. Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers.”

A lung nodule is a small abnormal area measuring less than 3cm (1in) that can appear on a chest or abdominal CT scan, according to the American Cancer Society. Such findings can emerge during examinations for other conditions, including injuries or lung infections, rather than tests specifically intended to screen for lung cancer.

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The discovery has raised questions about whether the planned procedure could affect the pope’s upcoming international engagements. Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November, although it remains unclear whether his surgery and recovery will require any changes to the itinerary.

He indicated during his Sunday remarks that he still intended to undertake the trip.

Leo has no publicly known history of health problems and is regarded as physically active. His routine has included weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

The pope is expected to receive treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, a facility that has cared for several pontiffs, including his predecessor, Pope Francis. The hospital has a dedicated apartment for popes receiving medical treatment.

Francis died on 21 April 2025 after suffering a stroke following a prolonged hospital stay that began with a respiratory crisis and developed into double pneumonia. He had a history of chronic lung disease and underwent surgery to remove part of one lung when he was a young man.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed support for Leo ahead of the procedure, conveying her backing and that of the Italian government.

Meloni, who was among the few people outside the Vatican to visit Francis during his final hospitalisation, said she was encouraged by the current pope’s response to the health challenge.

She offered her support to Leo “as he faces this challenge in the coming days”. In a statement, she added that “the serenity and calm with which he spoke about it” were reassuring.

(The Guardian UK)