Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery this week after nodule found at early stage

Pope Leo XIV told thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that doctors have found a nodule in his lung and that he will undergo surgery to remove it within days — the first significant health issue reported for the American pontiff since he took office.

Recently, during some medical tests, doctors discovered a localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localized. The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.— Pope Leo XIV

The announcement came at the close of Leo's regular Sunday noon Angelus address, delivered from the window of the Apostolic Palace. The crowd responded with applause before he wished them a 'happy Sunday,' according to NBC News.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed shortly afterward that the procedure is scheduled for the first days of this week at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital — the facility historically used by popes — and that the expected post-operative hospital stay is about one week. Whether the nodule is cancerous has not been disclosed by the Vatican.

Leo, 71, has no previously known health problems. He is described across multiple outlets as physically active, with weekly tennis games and regular swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

The surgery casts uncertainty over a major international trip scheduled for Nov. 6–17, with itinerary stops planned in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. That said, earlier during Sunday's same appearance, Leo addressed a Peruvian Catholic group, telling them, 'Thank you for your prayer for my apostolic visit that I will make to Peru,' per ABC News — a remark widely read as indicating his intention to make the journey.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity in a statement, saying she wished to convey her 'personal support, and that of the Italian government' as Leo faces the procedure.

The serenity and composure with which he spoke about it (today) ...are reassuring.— Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister

Born Robert Francis Prevost on the South Side of Chicago, Leo became the first American pope when he was elected in May 2025 as the church's 267th pontiff. Before his election, he devoted much of his career to ministry in Peru and to heading the Vatican's influential office of bishops.

A stroke claimed the life of Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21, 2025, after an extended hospitalization. Francis had dealt with chronic lung disease throughout his life and underwent a partial lung removal in his youth. Leo's papacy, now less than 18 months old, has been marked by public stances that have put him at odds with the White House, including on immigration and artificial intelligence, according to Axios.

Why it matters — The surgery is the first significant health event for the first American pope, who is less than 18 months into a papacy and has a major international trip scheduled within weeks.

Reported by axios.com, foxnews.com, nbcnews.com, cbsnews.com, abcnews.com, vaticannews.va, reuters.com