Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery after lung nodule found

Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days after doctors discovered a lung nodule during a medical check-up, according to the BBC.

The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the finding during his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square in Rome on Sunday, saying doctors had identified an early-stage, well-localised nodule on his lung.

“The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung,” the Pope told the gathering.

He said his medical team believed an operation was the appropriate course of action and that he had agreed to the procedure.

Pope Leo reassured the public that the nodule was “well-contained” and had been detected at an early stage. He also thanked those offering him spiritual support and asked for their prayers.

Matteo Bruni, a spokesperson for the Holy See Press Office, said the operation was scheduled for the first days of the following week. He added that the Pope was expected to need approximately one week to recover.

Vatican News, the Holy See’s official news portal, reported that the procedure would take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, which has a dedicated suite for the treatment of popes.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the 267th pope in 2025, succeeding Pope Francis. He is the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

Before his election, he spent years as a missionary in Peru, where he worked with marginalised communities and became known for his pastoral work.

The announcement comes as Catholics around the world await further updates on the Pope’s health and recovery.