Pope Leo XIV is to undergo surgery this week after doctors discovered a nodular lesion in his lung, with the Vatican expecting his recovery to take about a week.
The 71-year-old pontiff revealed the finding during his Sunday noon blessing, saying it had been detected at an early stage and was “circumscribed”.
“The doctors believe it’s best to take action, so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have surgery to remove it,” he said. “Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers.”
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the operation would take place in the “first days” of the week, although he did not specify when the Pope would be admitted to hospital.
Leo is expected to be treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, which has a special apartment for the Pope. No previously known health problems have been reported, and he is described as physically active, playing tennis weekly and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
The surgery comes ahead of a planned major trip from November 6 to 17, taking in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It is not clear whether the operation and recovery period will affect the itinerary, although Leo said during his remarks on Sunday that he intended to make the journey.
Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, died on April 21, 2025, after suffering a stroke following a lengthy hospitalisation caused by a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Francis had chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was young.
