Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery for a lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, October 11, 2026, that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small, localized nodule detected in his lung. During his address to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, the 71-year-old pontiff stated that the growth was discovered during routine medical examinations and is considered to be in an early, well-contained stage.

The pontiff, who was elected in May 2025, noted that he is following medical advice to proceed with the removal of the lesion. Despite the upcoming medical procedure, the Pope confirmed his intention to maintain his travel schedule, including a planned visit to Latin America set for November 6–17, 2026. This marks the first significant health issue for the Pope since the beginning of his tenure.

While the specific nature of the nodule has not been disclosed, medical experts note that such lesions are often benign, though the risk of malignancy is evaluated based on age and size. Pope Leo XIV remains active, with no history of significant health complications reported previously, following his predecessor, Pope Francis, who served until his passing.