Pope Leo to Undergo Surgery After Lung Nodule Detected

Sun Oct 11 2026 20:11:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pope Leo announces upcoming surgery to remove a small lung nodule found during routine check‑up, while confirming future travel plans and receiving messages of support.

Pope Leo, 71, will undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors identified a small, well‑contained nodule on his lung during a routine scan. The pontiff confirmed the operation will take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where a special papal suite remains in use. Italian leaders and the Israeli president offered solidarity, and Leo assured that his planned South American tour in November will proceed. Health officials explained that most lung nodules are asymptomatic and detected by imaging, and the Pope’s recovery is expected to last roughly a week.

Pope Leo to Undergo Surgery After Lung Nodule Detected

The 71‑year‑old pontiff announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days after a small nodule was found in his lung during a routine scan. He described the mass as well‑contained and caught early, and he has already agreed to the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where a special papal suite exists in memory of the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella each offered solidarity, wishing the pontiff a speedy recovery. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also sent his best wishes to the Pope. The Vatican confirmed the surgery is scheduled for the first week of next month and anticipates a recovery period of roughly one week.

Pope Leo, the first U.S. citizen to occupy the papal throne, stated that his planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November will still proceed. He thanked the faithful for their prayers, saying he trusts in their support during this time.

A lung nodule is a small lump of tissue that is often discovered during an X‑ray or CT scan of the chest. Most nodules do not cause symptoms and many are benign; however, surgical removal is advised if there is any concern for malignancy.

Image: Pope Leo sitting in front of St Peter’s Square during a Sunday prayer service.