Pope Leo XIV to Undergo Surgery After Lung Lump Discovery

Sun Oct 11 2026 11:57:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The 71‑year‑old pontiff says he will have surgery soon after doctors spot a small lung nodule during a routine check‑up.

During his Sunday prayers in Rome, Pope Leo XIV revealed plans for surgery after a lung nodule was found early. Doctors said the mass was well‑contained and caught at an early stage. The Pope reassured pilgrims he is healthy and will recover. Updates will follow shortly.

Pope Leo XIV will be operated in the coming days after doctors found a small lung nodule.

He told the world over his weekly prayers in St Peter's Square: The doctors found an early, well localised nodule on my lung.

The medical team said the mass was well contained, caught at an early stage, and they believed it would be right to intervene. He agreed to the operation.

He reassured pilgrims that it was an early detection he is working to treat, and he remains healthy.

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