Pope Leo has revealed his plans to undergo surgery in the upcoming days to eliminate a nodular lesion on his lung that was recently detected during medical examinations. The 71-year-old Pope mentioned that the nodule was discovered early and is well-contained. The Vatican confirmed that the surgery is scheduled for the beginning of the week, with an anticipated recovery period of about a week.
The Pope, who is known for his active lifestyle including playing tennis weekly and swimming at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, made the announcement during his Sunday blessing, expressing gratitude to the gathered crowd for their support and prayers.
A lung nodule is a small abnormal area typically measuring less than three centimeters found on a chest or abdomen CT scan. While the scans are often conducted for reasons like investigating trauma or lung infections rather than specifically for lung cancer screening.
Leo, elected as Pope in May 2025, is relatively youthful for his position and previously had no reported health issues. He is scheduled for a significant trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. It remains uncertain if the surgery and recovery might impact the travel plans, but Leo has indicated his intention to proceed with the trip.
In a recent address delivered in Italian, the Pope shared the discovery of the nodule during a medical check and his decision to undergo surgery based on medical advice. He expressed appreciation for the spiritual support and prayers offered by the public.
Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, passed away in April 2025 due to a stroke following an extended hospital stay prompted by a respiratory crisis leading to double pneumonia. Francis had a history of chronic lung disease and underwent partial lung removal in his youth.
The surgery for Pope Leo will take place at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, a facility where previous Popes, including Francis, received medical care. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended support from the Italian government, praising Leo’s calm demeanor while addressing the upcoming challenge.
While lung nodules can be benign, they are localized lesions. The American Thoracic Society notes that less than five percent of all lung nodules are cancerous, with risk factors including age, size, and other considerations.
