Pope Leo XIV revealed during his Sunday noon blessing that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodular lesion detected on his lung during recent medical examinations. The 71-year-old pontiff emphasized that the lesion was identified at an early stage and was well localized.
The Vatican confirmed that the surgery will take place in the first days of the week, with an expected recovery period of approximately one week. Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the support and prayers he has received.
Details on the Lung Nodule and Health Status
A lung nodule is an abnormal area less than 3 cm often found incidentally, usually through CT scans performed for unrelated reasons such as trauma or infection. The American Cancer Society notes such nodules do not necessarily indicate cancer.
The pope is reportedly physically active, engaging in weekly tennis and swimming at his summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, and has no known prior health issues.
Impact on Upcoming Travel Plans
Pope Leo has a planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru scheduled from November 6 to 17. While it remains unclear whether the surgery and recovery will affect this itinerary, the pontiff previously stated his intention to proceed with the trip.
Context and Official Reactions
The upcoming surgery will be conducted at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, a facility with a history of treating popes, including Pope Francis. Pope Francis passed away in April 2025 after a prolonged respiratory illness complicated by stroke; he had a history of chronic lung disease and underwent partial lung removal earlier in life.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed support for Pope Leo and praised his calm and serene attitude regarding the surgery. Meloni, who had visited Pope Francis during his final hospitalization, offered the government’s solidarity as Pope Leo faces his medical challenge.
