Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery within days to remove a small nodular lesion discovered on his lung during a recent medical examination. The 71-year-old pontiff made the announcement himself during his Sunday noon blessing at St Peter's Square, telling the gathered crowd the lesion had been caught at a very early stage and was well-localised.

What Leo Said and When Surgery Will Take Place

Speaking in Italian from St Peter's Square, the American-born pope told those present that doctors had found a small, localised nodule in his lung during a routine check. He described it as detected "at a very early stage" and said his medical team had advised surgical removal as the best course of action.

"The doctors believe it's best to take action, so, following their advice, I've decided to have surgery to remove it," he told the crowd, adding that the procedure was already scheduled. He thanked those present for their spiritual support and asked for their prayers.

The Vatican subsequently confirmed that the surgery would take place in the first days of the week, with an expected recovery period of approximately one week. Leo is understood to be scheduled to undergo the procedure at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the same facility that treated his predecessor and other popes before him, which includes a dedicated apartment for pontiffs.

Leo's Health History and Physical Condition

The pope has no previously known health problems and is widely regarded as physically active. He is reported to play tennis weekly and swims regularly at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo. This stands in contrast to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on 21 April 2025 following a lengthy hospitalisation caused by a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Francis had suffered from chronic lung disease throughout his life and had part of one lung removed as a young man.

For more on the background to this developing story, read our earlier coverage on the pope's lung nodule surgery announcement.

Planned South American Trip Still on the Agenda

Leo has a significant international trip scheduled beginning 6 November, with visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru on the itinerary. It remains unclear whether the surgery and recovery period could affect those plans. However, the pope indicated earlier in his Sunday remarks that he still intends to make the journey.

Italian Government Offers Support

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni publicly expressed her support for the pope and conveyed the backing of the Italian government as he prepares for the procedure. She noted that the calm and serenity with which Leo discussed the matter had been reassuring to those who heard him speak.

The Vatican has not provided further details beyond the expected timeframe of early this week and the anticipated one-week recovery.