This past Sunday, the Pope told the world he has a lung problem, and he will have to have surgery to fix it. He spoke from the window of the Apostolic Palace in St. Peter’s Square. He said doctors explained that they found a small growth and want to take it out.
Pope Leo XIV is 71 years old. He is the first American-born pope. He made the announcement during his weekly prayer. He said, “Recently, during some medical tests, doctors discovered a localized nodule in my lung,” per the Washington Examiner. He spoke in Italian to the crowds below. He noted the issue was found early. He said, “It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized,” according to Breitbart. The Vatican confirmed the surgery is set for early this week.
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.” https://t.co/1rTOE4WPUf
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 11, 2026
The operation will happen at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Pope plans to stay there for about one week. “Following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed,” he told the crowd, “The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so. This quote comes from Breitbart. He added that the procedure is already scheduled. He asked for support from the faithful. “I entrust myself to your prayers, he said to warm applause, per Breitbart.
The Vatican has not said if the nodule is cancer. Lung nodules are small spots seen on scans. Some are cancer, but many are just scar tissue. The American Cancer Society says they can come from infections. The Pope has no known history of serious illness. He stays active with tennis and swimming. He still plans to travel in November. The trip includes Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. It is unclear if the surgery will change these plans.
Italian leaders sent messages of support. Premier Giorgia Meloni praised his calm attitude. President Sergio Mattarella wished him a speedy recovery. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also offered his best wishes. The hospital has a special suite for the Pope. It was made after an attempt on Pope John Paul II’s life in 1981. The suite is still in use today. According to reports, Director of the Holy See Press Office, the recovery time will be about one week.
This event recalls the health struggles of his predecessor. The late Pope Francis died at age 88 in April 2025. He had chronic lung disease and part of a lung removed. He was hospitalized for over a month in 2025. Leo XIV faces a different challenge.
