Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to undergo surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome early next week, according to Vatican officials. The 71-year-old pontiff disclosed the procedure in his traditional noon address to thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on Sunday. Doctors detected a small, localized nodule in his lung during routine medical tests and deemed the early detection and intervention advisable.

Pope Leo emphasized that the nodule remained contained and had not progressed. He entrusted his recovery to the prayers of faithful pilgrims and assured them of the procedure's scheduled timing. Vatican administrative operations will continue as usual during his hospitalization, with formal decisions requiring his signature placed on hold until his recovery.

The pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the first American pontiff in the church's history following his appointment in 2025. Though no prior health issues were known, his proactive disclosure of the medical procedure reflects a growing trend of transparency regarding papal health concerns.