Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodule discovered on his lung. The pontiff stated that the nodule was detected at a very early stage and is localized. He made the announcement during his weekly address in St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican confirmed that the surgery is scheduled for the first days of the week, with an expected recovery period of approximately one week. Pope Leo XIV is expected to be treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a facility that has historically served popes for medical treatment and features a dedicated papal apartment.
“During recent medical checks, a nodule on my lung was found,” Pope Leo XIV stated. “It has been detected at a very early stage and is very localized. The doctors believe it would be right to intervene and so, following their advice, I’ve decided to have the operation to remove it.” The 71-year-old pontiff expressed gratitude for the public’s spiritual support and asked for prayers.
A lung nodule is defined as a small abnormal area, typically measuring less than three centimeters, that may appear on chest scans. Such discoveries often result from investigations into trauma or lung infections, rather than targeted cancer screenings, according to the American Cancer Society. Pope Leo XIV has no previously known significant health issues and is known for his active lifestyle, which includes weekly tennis games and swimming.
The news of the surgery comes as Pope Leo XIV has an extensive trip planned to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6-17. It remains unclear whether the planned surgery and recovery period will impact this itinerary, though the Pope indicated his intention to proceed with the travel plans.
The pontiff’s predecessor, Pope Francis, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a stroke that occurred after a prolonged hospitalization. Pope Francis had experienced a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He had a history of chronic lung disease and had a portion of his lung removed in his youth.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, was elected by the College of Cardinals in May 2025.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
