AFP.- Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery Tuesday in Rome to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations, the Vatican said. Doctors consider the procedure low-risk, and his recovery is expected to take about a week.
The 71-year-old pope was taken to Gemelli Hospital, where popes traditionally receive medical treatment. The Vatican said the nodule was detected at an early stage and that Leo XIV decided to undergo surgery following medical advice.
The procedure marks the first reported health concern involving Leo XIV since he was elected pope on May 8, 2025. The Vatican has canceled his public engagements through October 20, including a Mass scheduled for Wednesday.
The health issue comes less than a month before Leo XIV’s planned November 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Specialists told AFP that air travel is generally discouraged for about 20 days after this type of procedure, meaning his recovery could affect preparations for the South American tour.
Most lung nodules are benign, although some can be an early indication of lung cancer. Doctors said the prognosis is generally favorable when a potentially malignant nodule is detected at an early stage, particularly in a patient who is otherwise in good health.
Leo XIV is expected to recover in a special suite at Gemelli Hospital equipped with a chapel and facilities for medical staff.