Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a localised nodule in his lung after it was detected during recent medical examinations.
The Pope disclosed the development while addressing the faithful gathered for the Angelus prayer at the Vatican on Sunday, October 11, 2026, reassuring them that the nodule had been detected at a very early stage and was well localised.
The medical procedure is scheduled to take place at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where doctors have recommended surgery to remove the growth.
Pope's upcoming surgery details
In his address, the pontiff said he had decided to follow the advice of his medical team and proceed with the operation, while expressing gratitude to those who have continued to offer him spiritual support.
“During some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localised nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localised,” Pope Leo said.
He added that his doctors considered surgery appropriate and that the operation had already been scheduled for the coming days.
The Pope thanked the faithful for their concern and prayers, entrusting himself to their spiritual support as he prepares for the procedure.
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, subsequently provided further details to journalists, confirming that the operation was scheduled for the first days of the week.
Bruni said the estimated post-operative recovery period would be approximately one week.
Understanding lung nodules
A lung nodule is a small, round or oval-shaped spot of abnormal tissue found in the lung, usually identified through imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans.
Lung nodules can develop for several reasons, including previous infections, inflammation, scar tissue or, in some cases, cancer.
The discovery of a lung nodule does not automatically mean a person has cancer.
Doctors assess factors such as its size, appearance, growth over time and the patient's medical history to determine whether further tests or treatment are necessary.
Some nodules require only monitoring, while others may need to be removed for closer examination.
In Pope Leo's case, he said the nodule was detected at a very early stage and was well localised.
Vatican's statement on health
However, the Vatican has not indicated that the growth is cancerous or disclosed further details about its nature.
The announcement comes as the pontiff continues his responsibilities as leader of the Catholic Church.
Catholics worldwide are expected to follow developments surrounding his surgery and recovery, with prayers for his health likely to feature in Church gatherings in the coming days.
