Pope Leon XIV to Undergo Surgery to Remove Early-Detected Lung Nodule

09:45

Pope Leon XIV announced on Sunday, October 11, 2026, that he will soon undergo surgery to remove a nodule detected in one of his lungs. The anomaly was identified during routine medical examinations and recognized at a very early stage, according to details provided by the pontiff at the Vatican.

This announcement was made after the Angelus prayer, as the pope addressed the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. On this occasion, he explained that his doctors had discovered a small, well-defined pulmonary lesion and recommended a surgical intervention to remove it.

Surgery Scheduled in the Coming Days

According to information shared by Leon XIV, the discovery of the nodule dates back to recent follow-up medical examinations. The early nature of its detection and its well-circumscribed location were highlighted in his public address.

After consulting with his medical team, the head of the Catholic Church decided to follow the practitioners' recommendation. The surgery is scheduled to take place in the coming days, he indicated, without providing further details about the procedure or the expected duration of his recovery.

At this stage, no other medical details have been disclosed regarding the exact nature of the nodule. Its detection alone does not allow for any conclusions regarding a potential diagnosis.

Pope Seeks Spiritual Support from the Faithful

In announcing this intervention at the end of the Angelus, Leon XIV also sent a message to the faithful who follow his activities. He thanked them for their spiritual closeness and invited them to accompany him with their prayers during this period.

The statement is part of the traditional Sunday meeting of the pope with pilgrims and visitors present in St. Peter's Square. From the window of his Vatican apartments, the pontiff shared personal information regarding his health while emphasizing his willingness to follow his doctors' recommendations.

Attention is now focused on the announced intervention and any official information that will be communicated regarding it in the coming days.