Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery in Rome

Pope Leo XIV has announced he will undergo surgery to remove a small, localised nodule in his lung, marking the first public health concern since he assumed leadership of the Catholic Church.

The 71-year-old disclosed this to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square following his customary prayer on Sunday, October 11.

He told the gathering that doctors found the nodule "at a very early stage and is well-localized."

The Vatican later told reporters that the operation will take place early this coming week at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where Popes typically receive medical care. He is expected to remain in recovery for a week.

The announcement has drawn attention to the health of the pontiff, who is 71.

Vatican confirms early detection of nodule

The Pope said the condition was detected early and is well-localised. He described it as a "small, localized nodule" in his lung.

The surgery is scheduled for early this week, according to the Vatican. No further details were given about the procedure.

Officials said the Pope will stay at Gemelli Hospital for about a week to recover.

A lung nodule is a small abnormal area of less than an inch that appears in the chest or abdomen during a CT scan, according to the American Cancer Society.

The organisation notes that most lung nodules are not cancerous and are “more often the result of old infections, scar tissue, or other causes.”

The Vatican has not linked the Pope’s case to any specific diagnosis. It said the nodule was found at a very early stage.