Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Lung Surgery for Nodule Removal

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday he will undergo surgery "in the coming days" to remove a nodule on his lung, marking the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate. The 71-year-old pope stated that the nodule was found at an early stage and was "circumscribed" or small and well-localized. The Vatican indicated that Leo's expected recovery time from surgery would be one week. The pope made the announcement during his Sunday noon blessing, expressing transparency about his health. He thanked the crowd for their support and entrusted himself to their prayers. The Vatican did not specify the exact timing of the surgery, which is expected to occur early this week. Leo has a significant event scheduled: the closing Mass on Wednesday of a weeklong conference on family ministry, although Vatican officials suggested he might miss it. A lung nodule is defined as a small abnormal area measuring less than 3 centimeters (1 inch) that may appear on a CT scan of the chest or abdomen, according to the American Cancer Society. These scans are often performed to investigate trauma or lung infections, rather than for lung cancer screenings. Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, noted that lung nodules are common and often benign, but both benign and cancerous nodules can appear similar on imaging. He explained that if there is sufficient concern and it is safe to do so, surgical removal can provide a definitive diagnosis. A statue of the late Pope John Paul II is located outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where Pope Leo is expected to undergo surgery this week. If the nodule is found to be cancerous, the prognosis is considered "excellent" since it would have been removed at an early stage, and surgery alone might suffice for treatment, according to Dr. Liu. Leo has no known health issues and maintains an active lifestyle, participating in weekly tennis matches and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo. The pope has a major trip planned from November 6 to 17 to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, though it is uncertain how the surgery and recovery might impact this itinerary. In his remarks, delivered in Italian, Leo stated that during a recent medical check, "doctors found a circumscribed nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe it's best to take action, so, following their advice, I have decided to have surgery to remove it." He expressed gratitude for the spiritual support from the faithful. Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, passed away on April 21, 2025, due to a stroke following a long hospitalization caused by a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Francis had chronic lung disease and underwent part of one lung removal as a young man. Francis' health issues were often accompanied by inconsistent information from the Vatican, which typically maintains strict privacy regarding a pope's health. In contrast, Leo appears to be taking a proactive approach in communicating his health status. He is expected to have surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where previous popes have received treatment. On Sunday, there were no indications that the pope had been admitted to the hospital. Dr. Dionysis Papadatos-Pastos, an oncologist and lung cancer specialist, emphasized that finding a lung nodule incidentally does not necessarily indicate lung cancer, and a well-circumscribed nodule suggests a lower likelihood of malignancy. However, he noted that further investigation is essential, stating, "The worst thing you can do is ignore a lung nodule." Dr. Liu added that surgical removal is standard for someone in good health if the nodule is in an accessible location. He reassured that surgery is typically safe and straightforward, allowing for a rapid recovery, which should enable Leo to travel to Latin America unless complications arise. Leo is not known to be a smoker, and Dr. Liu pointed out that one in five individuals diagnosed with lung cancer have no smoking history. Dr. Massimo Di Maio, president of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology, highlighted the importance of determining whether the nodule is benign or malignant and if it has spread. Early detection aims for a curative approach. Possible treatments for malignant nodules may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Di Maio noted that localized findings may also require establishing whether the disease is confined to one site or if there are signs of disease elsewhere. He clarified that he has not treated the pope and was discussing the disease in general terms. He emphasized that being physically fit and healthy is crucial for coping with treatment and surgery. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed her support, along with that of the Italian government, for Leo as he faces this health challenge. In her statement, she remarked that "the serenity and calm with which he spoke about it" were reassuring.