Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, October 11, that doctors had found a small, well-localized nodule in his lung. Surgery to remove the nodule will take place in the first days of the week.
The pope revealed this after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, speaking to the faithful from the window of the Apostolic Palace. According to a translation published by Vatican News, he said:
“Dear friends, during recent tests, doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized.” — Leo XIV, Angelus, October 11
Leo XIV added that doctors considered the intervention advisable, so on their advice he decided to have the nodule removed. He thanked people for their spiritual closeness and asked for prayers.
Timing and location of the surgery
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, answered journalists’ questions. He said the surgery is scheduled for the first days of this week. The estimated recovery time after the procedure is about a week (report by Vatican News, confirmed by the Associated Press).
The procedure is to take place at the Gemelli clinic in Rome. Previous popes, including Francis, also used it. The Vatican has not yet disclosed the exact date or the type of procedure.
What the Vatican has not disclosed
The available information does not show whether the nodule is benign or malignant. The pope spoke only of a “nodule” detected at an early stage. According to Euronews, citing the American Lung Association, lung nodules are most often benign, but some may be cancerous. The Vatican did not say what tests were performed or when.
Leo XIV is 71 years old. He is the first pope from the United States, elected in May 2025 after the death of Francis.
What it means
The announced week of recovery means changes to the papal schedule can be expected in the coming days. The Vatican has not yet said which audiences and meetings will be cancelled or postponed.
The question also concerns the pope’s trip to Latin America planned for November. During Sunday’s meeting, Leo XIV thanked a group from Peru for praying for his visit to that country. As of publication, the Vatican had not announced any changes to the itinerary of that pilgrimage.
Among those expressing support for the pope was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Further updates on the surgery and the pope’s health are to be issued by the Holy See Press Office.
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