Pope Leo XIV announced he will undergo surgery to remove a localized lung nodule detected at an early stage. The procedure is scheduled for the coming days at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
Pope Leo XIV announced during his Sunday Angelus prayer that he will undergo surgery to remove a nodule found in his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff stated that recent medical examinations detected the nodule, which he described as "localized" and "well-localized."
The operation is scheduled to take place at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed to reporters that "the operation is scheduled for the first days of this week and the estimated post-operative recovery time will be about one week."
Pope Leo addressed the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, saying, "The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it." He added, "I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers."
The Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic has a history of providing care for popes. According to the Associated Press, the hospital is a Catholic teaching institution and keeps a suite reserved for the pope on its 10th floor. The BBC reports that this special Papal suite was set up following the failed assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in May 1981 and remains in use today.
Previous pontiffs have also received treatment at this facility. Pope John Paul II had a benign tumor removed from his colon there in 1992. Pope Francis underwent surgery for a colon ailment in 2021 and a hernia repair in 2023, both performed by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who leads the hospital's digestive surgery department.
Leaders from various sectors offered support following the announcement. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her "personal solidarity" with the Pope. Italian President Sergio Mattarella offered his "sincerest wishes for a peaceful recovery and a speedy and full return to health."
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated, "The bishops of the United States join with the faithful and all people of good will in praying for his good health."
Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first U.S.-born pope in May 2025. He confirmed that his upcoming visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November will still go ahead. During the same Angelus address, he also called for an end to the war in Ukraine, stating, "The daily bread of millions of people cannot be held hostage by war."
The surgery highlights the health challenges faced by modern pontiffs, with Pope Leo XIV following predecessors who have required hospital care. The announcement underscores the transparency of the Vatican in communicating the Pope's health status to the public and the global Catholic community.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
HealthTrending
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced four initiatives, including a new NIH clinic and VAERS modernization, to address vaccine injury concerns and improve reporting systems.
HealthTrending
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency on Monday due to rising measles cases. The order expands vaccine administration to paramedics and pharmacists as the state records 108 cases this year.
