Pope Leo XIV is due to undergo surgery in Rome in the coming days after a small nodule was found in his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff said the growth had been detected early and was localised.
The announcement was made on Sunday during his weekly Angelus address in St Peter’s Square. The Vatican later confirmed that the operation was planned for the coming days, with recovery expected to take about one week.
“During recent medical checks, a nodule on my lung was found,” Leo told the faithful.
He said doctors had advised surgery and that he had agreed to have the growth removed.
Surgery Planned in Rome
The operation is expected to take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The facility has treated several popes, including Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis.
No further details have been released about the nature of the nodule. The Vatican has not said whether it is cancerous. Its early detection was highlighted by the pope, but the full medical picture remains unclear.
The planned procedure comes as preparations continue for Leo’s visit to South America. He is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17.
The Vatican has not announced any changes to that itinerary. Whether the operation and recovery will affect the trip remains uncertain.
Prayers and Messages of Support
News of the planned surgery prompted messages of support from political leaders and Catholics abroad. In Peru, where Leo is expected to visit the city of Chiclayo, residents expressed hope that he would recover in time for the trip.
Olga Pol, a 62-year-old resident, said she hoped the pope would recover quickly and be able to travel. Retired journalist Diana Celi said Peruvians were praying for him and looking forward to his visit.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed support. She said the calm manner in which Leo had spoken about the procedure was reassuring and offered her solidarity on behalf of the Italian government.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wished the pontiff a successful operation and a full recovery. Church leaders in Uruguay and Argentina also urged Catholics to pray for him.
A Pope With a Global Voice
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first pope from the United States when he was elected on May 8, 2025. He succeeded Pope Francis, who died on April 21 that year, aged 88.
Since his election, Leo has taken increasingly firm positions on international affairs. He has spoken about armed conflicts, public responsibility and the impact of artificial intelligence.
His comments on the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran drew particular attention. He condemned a threat by US President Donald Trump to destroy Iran as “truly unacceptable” and urged American lawmakers to work towards peace.
Trump later criticised the pope’s approach to crime and foreign policy. Leo responded that he had a moral duty to speak out.
For now, attention is focused on the pope’s upcoming operation. The Vatican expects his recovery to take about a week, while the status of his November journey remains unchanged in official announcements.
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