Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Vatican, has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small lung nodule discovered during recent medical tests. The nodule was detected at an early stage and is located in a specific area of the lung. According to the Vatican, the surgery will take place at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, which has a dedicated wing for the medical care of popes.
The 71-year-old Pope made the announcement during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sunday. He stated that his doctors have advised him to undergo the surgical procedure to remove the nodule, which was recommended based on the medical team's assessment. The Pope expressed confidence in the medical team and the procedure, which is expected to require a recovery period of about a week.
The Gemelli Hospital, where the surgery will take place, has previously provided medical care to several popes, including the late Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025 after suffering a stroke and respiratory complications. The hospital's medical team has extensive experience in treating high-profile patients, including those with complex medical conditions.
According to the American Cancer Society, a lung nodule is a small, abnormal area in the lung that is typically less than 3 centimeters in diameter. These nodules are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests, such as CT scans, that are performed to check for other conditions or injuries. While lung nodules can be a cause for concern, many are benign and do not require surgical intervention.
Dr. Stephen Leo, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown University in Washington, noted that lung nodules are relatively common and that many are non-cancerous. He emphasized that surgical removal of a nodule can provide a definitive diagnosis when necessary, taking into account the nodule's location and the patient's overall health.
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule discovered in Pope Leo XIV's lung is cancerous or provided additional details about its nature or the results of medical tests. Despite the upcoming surgery, the Pope has confirmed that he intends to undertake a foreign trip to Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina from November 6 to 17, as previously announced.
Pope Leo XIV was elected as the head of the Vatican in May 2025, following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He is the first pope born in the United States and has not previously been known to have significant health issues. The Pope is known for his physical activity and enjoys playing tennis and swimming in his free time.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery to remove small lung nodule discovered during medical tests
- Surgery to take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, with expected recovery period of about a week
- Pope intends to undertake foreign trip to Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina in November despite upcoming surgery
