POPE LEO: I WILL UNDERGO SURGERY SOON TO REMOVE NODULE IN MY LUNG

Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery to Remove Early-Stage Lung Nodule

Pope Leo XIV has announced plans to undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule discovered in his lung during recent medical examinations.

The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the development on Sunday, October 11, during his weekly Angelus address to worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

According to the Pope, the nodule was detected at a very early stage and is well localized. He said his doctors had recommended surgery and that he had decided to follow their medical advice.

The pontiff confirmed that the procedure had already been scheduled for the coming days. He also expressed gratitude to those who had offered him spiritual support and asked the faithful to continue praying for him.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni subsequently indicated that the operation was expected to take place early in the week, with the Pope anticipated to spend approximately one week in hospital recovering.

The surgery is expected to take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a medical facility that has treated several previous popes.

The announcement comes as Pope Leo XIV prepares for upcoming Church engagements, including a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. It remains unclear whether the procedure and recovery period will affect his scheduled activities.

The Vatican has not disclosed whether the lung nodule is benign or malignant, and no further diagnosis has been announced.