ROME and LONDON — Pope Leo XIV disclosed on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with a lung nodule and is prepared for surgical intervention within the next few days. The 71-year-old pontiff revealed the news while delivering his traditional Angelus prayer from the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, addressing the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
“Recently during some check ups doctors found a circumscribed nodule in my lung,” Leo said. He emphasized that the condition was identified in its “very initial phase and well localized,” adding that medical professionals advised that operative intervention was appropriate.
Shortly after the announcement, the Vatican press office confirmed that the surgery is set to take place early in the week. Officials stated that the expected hospital stay following the procedure would last approximately one week. The operation is to be performed at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the facility most frequently utilized by pontiffs, including Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 88.
Leo, originally from Chicago and formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, made history as the first American pope and the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church when he was elected in May 2025.
Despite the health update, the Pope indicated that his upcoming pastoral journey remains on track. Before sharing the medical news, he greeted a delegation from Peru and thanked them for their prayers regarding his planned apostolic visit. The trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru is officially scheduled for November 6 through 17.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Holy See. She praised the “serenity and calm” with which Leo discussed the situation during his Sunday address, noting that it provided comfort to many. Meloni added that she was confident the Italian people would continue to offer their support and affection during this time.
Better a nodule than something worse. Praying for a smooth recovery and quick return to duties.
I’m skeptical about how ‘routine’ this really is. Seven-day recovery plus surgery? Seems like a long stay.
Will the South America trip get postponed or is he determined to stick to the schedule regardless?
First American pope facing surgery too? History really does repeat itself at the Vatican these days.
Glad the news is caught early. A week in the hospital sounds reasonable for peace of mind.