Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a lung nodule discovered during recent medical examinations, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development during his Angelus address at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, explaining that doctors detected the abnormal growth at an early stage and in a localised area.
According to the Pope, medical experts recommended an operation to remove the nodule, prompting him to agree to the procedure, which has already been scheduled.
The Vatican press office said the surgery would take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a medical facility that has treated several popes over the years, including the late Pope John Paul II.
The pontiff is expected to spend approximately one week recovering from the procedure, although the Vatican has yet to clarify whether the operation would affect his upcoming official engagements.
Pope Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. It remains unclear whether the planned trip will proceed as scheduled following his surgery.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed support for the pontiff, describing his calm delivery of the announcement during the Angelus as reassuring.
In a statement, Meloni conveyed her personal solidarity and that of the Italian government as the Pope prepares for the medical procedure.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, the United States, Leo became the first American pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. He was elected head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, becoming the spiritual leader of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Since assuming the papacy, Leo has gradually established his leadership style while addressing major global issues, including armed conflicts and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
He has also emerged as a vocal critic of the United States and Israel’s war against Iran, condemning US President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iran as unacceptable and urging American lawmakers to work towards peace.
Trump subsequently criticised the pontiff over his positions on crime and foreign policy, prompting Leo to defend his right and responsibility to speak out on moral issues.
The Pope’s upcoming surgery comes as he continues his responsibilities as leader of the Catholic Church, with attention now focused on his recovery and whether his planned international engagements will be affected.
