Pope Leo XIV revealed Sunday that he will undergo surgery after doctors discovered a small, localized nodule in his lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff said the nodule was found during recent medical examinations, caught at a very early stage and remains well localized. Doctors recommended removing it, and Pope Leo said he has decided to follow their advice.
He delivered the news directly to the faithful and asked for prayers:
Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) October 11, 2026
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo made the announcement at the end of his Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. He said the procedure is already scheduled for the coming days and thanked Catholics around the world for their spiritual closeness.
The Vatican did not say the nodule is cancerous. A lung nodule is a small abnormal area that can have many causes, and the medical team will be able to determine more after it is removed and examined.
The encouraging part of the announcement is the timing. Pope Leo emphasized twice that doctors caught the nodule early and that it is well localized, language that points to why his physicians believe surgery is the proper next step.
Vatican News carried video of the Pope making the announcement himself:
Pope Leo XIV tells the faithful gathered for the Angelus on Sunday that his doctors have found “a localized nodule” in his lung and will operate in a few days.
He added that the nodule was “detected at a very early stage and is well localized.” pic.twitter.com/1rTOE4WPUf
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 11, 2026
The Associated Press reported that the operation is expected to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the facility that has treated popes for decades. Vatican officials expect Pope Leo to remain hospitalized for roughly one week while he recovers.
This is the first major medical event of Pope Leo’s 17-month pontificate. The Chicago-born pope has generally appeared healthy and active, and the Vatican indicated that the surgery is not expected to derail his planned 12-day trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru beginning November 6.
That trip would be especially personal. Pope Leo spent years in Peru as a missionary and bishop, later became a Peruvian citizen and is expected to receive a massive welcome when he returns as the first American pope.
Catholic News Service summarized the timeline and expected recovery:
Pope Leo XIV announced Oct. 11 that he will undergo a procedure this week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a small lung nodule detected early during a recent examination. The Vatican said the procedure is expected to require about one week of recovery. pic.twitter.com/XkUVdfrXm5
— Catholic News Service (@CatholicNewsSvc) October 11, 2026
Pope Leo’s disclosure was sober, direct and notably calm. There was no attempt to hide the diagnosis or dress it up with vague language.
He told the faithful what doctors found, explained what comes next and asked them to pray.
Millions of Catholics will do exactly that in the days ahead.
