Pope Leo XIV Says He Will Have Surgery to Remove Lung Nodule
Sandego.net – Pope Leo announces he will undergo surgery to remove a small, localized nodule identified on his lung during medical examinations. The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the decision while addressing pilgrims during the Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, saying doctors found the nodule at an early and clearly defined stage.
“During some check-ups, doctors discovered a localized nodule on my lung,” the pope told the crowd. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well-defined. The doctors deem it advisable to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.”
The operation is expected in the coming days. A Vatican spokesperson said the procedure is planned for early next week, followed by an expected hospital stay of about a week as the pope recovers.
Medical decision follows early discovery
Pope Leo announces he will proceed with the operation after receiving medical advice. His remarks did not include further clinical details about the nodule or the specific surgical procedure. Instead, he emphasized that the finding was localized, well-defined and detected early.
A lung nodule is a small area of dense tissue in the lung that may be found during imaging or routine medical checks. Such nodules can have different causes, and many are not cancerous. The Vatican has not provided additional information about the pope’s diagnosis beyond the details he shared publicly, so it would be premature to draw conclusions about his condition.
By speaking directly about the planned treatment, the pope gave pilgrims and the wider Catholic community a clear explanation for a likely short interruption to his usual public schedule. The Sunday Angelus is one of the Vatican’s regular opportunities for the pope to address visitors, faithful and people following events from around the world.
Recovery comes before planned Latin America visit
The anticipated recovery period arrives during an active period for the Vatican. Pope Leo has generally appeared in good physical condition and is regarded as relatively young for a pope. He plays tennis and has maintained a physically active lifestyle while managing audiences, meetings, ceremonies and other public commitments.
His routine also includes time away from the Vatican. The pope normally sets aside Tuesdays for rest at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo, a pause within a demanding calendar of official and pastoral responsibilities.
Pope Leo announces he will have the surgery shortly before a significant overseas journey scheduled for November. From November 6 to November 17, he is due to travel to Latin America, with planned visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The itinerary would involve public events, meetings and travel across three countries.
The Vatican has not said whether the operation or the hospital recovery period will affect those plans. At present, the November dates remain on the pope’s schedule. Any change to the trip would likely depend on his recovery and guidance from his medical team.
What happens next
The immediate focus is expected to be the surgery and the pope’s recovery in hospital. Pope Leo announces he will follow his doctors’ recommendation, presenting the procedure as a precautionary medical intervention after the early discovery of the nodule.
Vatican updates may clarify when the operation takes place, how the recovery is progressing and whether any upcoming audiences or travel commitments need to be adjusted. Until then, no additional clinical information has been announced.
Frequently asked questions
When is Pope Leo’s surgery expected to take place?
The procedure is expected early next week, according to a Vatican spokesperson. The pope said it would take place in the coming days.
How long is Pope Leo expected to remain in hospital?
He is expected to stay in hospital for about a week following the operation, allowing time for recovery.
Will the planned November trip to Latin America continue?
The Vatican has not announced any change to the journey. The visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru remain scheduled from November 6 to November 17.
What information has been released about the lung nodule?
The pope said the nodule was localized, well-defined and detected at an early stage. No further clinical details have been made public.
