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Pope Leo XIV is expected to undergo lung surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome after doctors discovered a localised nodule during a medical examination.
The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development during his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, explaining that his medical team had recommended an operation.
“The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung,” he told the gathering, adding that doctors considered it appropriate to intervene and that he had agreed to the procedure.
According to the BBC, the operation was scheduled for the first days of the following week, with the Pope expected to need approximately one week to recover.
Matteo Bruni, spokesperson for the Holy See Press Office, confirmed the planned procedure. Vatican News also reported that the surgery would take place at Gemelli Hospital, which has a special suite for the pontiff.
World Leaders Express Support
News of the planned surgery prompted messages of support from several world leaders.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with the Pope as he prepared for the procedure. Italian President Sergio Mattarella also wished him a peaceful recovery and a full return to health.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog similarly extended his wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
The announcement comes nearly a year and a half after Pope Leo XIV succeeded Pope Francis, who also experienced lung-related health problems that required hospital treatment.
At the end of Sunday’s prayer, Pope Leo thanked those who had offered him spiritual support and said he was entrusting himself to their prayers.
November Tour Remains Scheduled
Despite the planned surgery, Pope Leo XIV has confirmed that his scheduled November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will proceed as planned.
Archbishop of Montevideo Daniel Sturla said preparations for the visit would continue with renewed enthusiasm, while encouraging people to pray for the pontiff’s recovery.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is the 267th occupant of the papal throne and the first US citizen to become pope. He was ordained in 1982 and spent several years as a missionary in Peru, where he worked with marginalised communities.
According to the UK’s National Health Service, a lung nodule is a small area of abnormal tissue that may be detected through a chest X-ray or CT scan. Many lung nodules do not cause symptoms, although their significance depends on individual medical findings.
The Vatican’s announcement has drawn international attention as Catholics and other well-wishers await further updates on the Pope’s recovery and upcoming engagements.
