Pope Leo XIV has announced he will undergo surgery to remove a small lung nodule identified during a routine medical check‑up. The operation is scheduled for early next week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and is expected to take a short period of recovery.
During his weekly Sunday prayer ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, the 71‑year‑old pontiff explained that the nodule was well‑localised and that his medical team deemed it prudent to intervene. He reassured pilgrims that the mass was contained and caught at an early stage.
The announcement follows the health challenges faced by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who also required hospital treatment for lung issues. Yet Pope Leo has assured the world that his November pastoral tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will go ahead as planned.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed personal solidarity, telling reporters that the Pope is “facing the ordeal ahead in the coming days.” President Sergio Mattarella offered his sincere wishes for a fast and complete recovery, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent his best hopes for the pontiff’s health.
Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the first United States citizen to occupy the chair of St. Peter. Ordained in 1982, he spent significant time serving as a missionary in Peru, working closely with marginalized communities.
According to the National Health Service, a lung nodule is a small lump of tissue usually discovered via X‑ray or CT scan and often causes no symptoms. Most nodules do not lead to serious complications when detected early.
