Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery After Nodule Discovery

Sun Oct 11 2026 19:51:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pope Leo XIV announced a lung operation after a small nodule was found. Recovery expected over a week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

During his Sunday Mass Pope Leo XIV announced he will be operated on in the coming days following the detection of an early‑stage lung nodule. The operation will take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and is expected to require about a week of recovery. Italian leaders and international religious figures have sent their support and confidence in a swift rebound. The pope will still carry out his planned South American tour later this year.

Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery After Nodule Discovery

Pope Leo XIV, 71, announced during his Sunday prayer service in St. Peter’s Square that he will be operated on in the coming days after doctors found a small lung nodule described as well‑contained and early‑stage.

The operation is scheduled for the first week of next month at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a medical centre that still houses a dedicated Papal suite established after the 1981 assassination attempt. Medical officials estimate a week of recovery for the pontiff.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella expressed solidarity, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent wishes for a speedy recovery. Vatican spokesmen expressed confidence that the surgery would be routine and that the Pope would return to his duties promptly.

Despite the medical procedure, the pope confirmed that his planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November will proceed as scheduled, with local churches calling for prayers for his health.