Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery Tuesday to Remove Lung Nodule

Pope Leo XIV will enter Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Tuesday morning for surgery to remove a small nodule from his lung. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the admission timing on Monday. The 71-year-old pontiff announced the plan himself on Sunday during the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square.

Leo told the crowd that doctors found the nodule during recent medical examinations. “It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localised. The doctors believe it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it.” The operation is scheduled for the coming days, with an expected hospital stay of about one week. The Vatican has not said whether the nodule is believed to be malignant.

This is the first hospitalisation of Leo’s 17-month pontificate. He was elected on 8 May 2025 after the death of Pope Francis. Leo has kept a full schedule and remains physically active, including tennis. The Gemelli hospital has a dedicated papal suite used by previous popes, including John Paul II and Francis.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the calmness with which Leo spoke during the Angelus was reassuring. She expressed the personal closeness of herself and the Italian government. Argentina’s bishops’ conference asked Catholics to pray for a swift recovery. The procedure is a standard removal of a pulmonary nodule under general anaesthetic. Most such nodules are benign, though risk rises with age.

Leo has a planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November. He said on Sunday that he still intends to make the visit. Whether the recovery period affects the itinerary remains open. During the hospital stay, decisions requiring the pope’s signature will wait, but the Vatican will continue routine work.

The announcement itself was unusual. Popes have traditionally kept health details private until after procedures. Leo chose to speak directly to the faithful in the square and to entrust himself to their prayers. The transparency reduces speculation while the operation is still ahead. Recovery of roughly one week would return him to public duties before the Latin American journey if no complications arise.

Gemelli has treated pontiffs for decades and maintains the apartment with a chapel, kitchen and meeting space for medical staff. Leo’s age and overall health make the short stay plausible, but lung surgery still carries standard risks of anaesthesia and infection. The early detection and localised nature are the factors the Vatican has emphasised.